At RAF South Cerney, in late 1961, the Guardroom Corporal wore Pilots wings, DSO and DFC with his wartime medals. i was told that he had risen to be a Wing Commander commanding a Heavy Bomber Squadron.
He had left the RAF after the war but could not settle in the civilian world. He rejoined the RAF, but did not have the acedemic qualifications for commisioning;.I was told that the minimum rank for ex-cfficers was Corporal in those circumstances.
In the 60s and 70s there were several of my acquaintances who retired as Flight Lieutenants retaining the rank of Wing Commander from their wartime acting rank.