Originally Posted by
RAFEngO74to09
Official personal weapon type allocation for the RAF generally in the pre-SA80 era was:
SLR: airmen > cpl
SMG: sgt > sqn ldr (ground branch)
SLP Browning 9mm: wg cdr and above (ground branch)
SLP Walther 7.65mm: aircrew
There were separate policies for RAF Regt, RAF Police and MTDs.
In addition, subject to the agreement of OC Armament Flt / Sqn (that spare weapons existed) and OC RAF Regt Flt (to make ammunition available for qualification), sqn ldrs with a war role exclusively in a COC/SOF or deployed HQ could be issued with the SLP 9mm in lieu of SMG. For several years after aircrew changed over to the Walther from the Browning, there were plenty of "spare" Browning around at unit level.
Agreed, but as you hint, RAF Police Cpls. and dog handlers etc. carried the Small Metal Gun in addition to their Brownings.