Dwell on these inconsequential thoughts for a moment:
It was Jan Smuts whose studies led to the RAF being formed.
We had a female component in the form of a 'WRAF' until the end of the First WW.
The PMs survived, in part due to Royal patronage of the King's daughter.
There were two classes of warrant officer until about 1939 and sergeant majors until - not sure when.
The RAF wears a black tie because Nelson is dead.
Everybody knows of Trenchard but what about Sykes?
.......... and it was the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Air Force; not the navy.