RN had same ranking issues as RAF
To move the discussion sideways for a moment, the ranking system (anomalies) also applied in the RN as well as the RAF.
50 years ago I was drafted to RNAS Sembawang, to provide second level support to the Helicopter squadrons in Borneo.
I was an Electrical Artiificer, full Navy apprenticeship, and as such was ranked as a Chief Petty Officer at age 23.
Sembawang at the time was run by 3rd Commando Brigade with a Marine Colonel as CO.
The Marines Sergeants Mess was run on Army lines as was the custom, so you can imagine the consternation among the grizzled Sergeants who lived in when they realized that I was the senior member of the mess, and by default could control when the bar opened and closed.
Free beer for six weeks until my wife arrived.