Bomber Command 'Heavy' Crewing

[rolling20]

Originally Posted by FlightlessParrot

I have a recollection (perhaps erroneous) that officers had to buy their own uniforms, sergeants not. Perhaps that is still the case? Anyway, it means the financial differences were in practice less than they seemed.

I think they still do?
Jack Currie ,again, when newly commissioned: ' ...bought the cap, tunic, trousers and greatcoat from Burton's for £25; raincoat cost £3 at Burberry's; and Horne's provided the shirts and socks , with some bits and pieces for £12 7s1d'... and he drew the pilots wings from stores for nothing.

Quite a sum when he was being paid £20 a month!

[dduxbury310]

The story that officers in the military by WW2 had to purchase their own uniforms is literally true, but almost all references to this custom seem to omit fact that such officers on commissioning were paid, as of right, an Initial Outfit Grant (courtesy of the taxpayer) which was allegedly sufficient to purchase all the required items. However in real life it never was, so the disgruntled officer had to gripe about making up this shortfall. Particularly impecunious officers also had the option of purchasing second hand uniforms (usually had to be slightly re-tailored) from "the trade" and at some time during WW2 the Air Ministry even ordered (in bulk) officer uniforms in standardised sizes (like an airman!) which could be purchased (I think) at RAF clothing stores to keep prices down, using the same grant. The methods of obtaining and maintaining uniforms has evolved over the years, and in some cases (and services) an annual maintenance of uniform grant is paid to all ranks for this purpose (after the initial issue).
David D

[FlightlessParrot]

Originally Posted by dduxbury310

Particularly impecunious officers also had the option of purchasing second hand uniforms (usually had to be slightly re-tailored) from "the trade"....
David D

Thank you for the additional information. It is a chastening (and macabre) thought that there was presumably a steady supply of second hand uniforms; is there any record of a reluctance to wear dead men's clothes?

[stevef]

RAFVR aircrew officers minimum daily pay in pounds, shillings and pence (£ s d) according to my 1943 ABC of the RAF:

Acting Pilot Officer: £0. 11s 10d
Pilot Officer: £0. 14s 6d
Flying Officer: £0. 18s 2d
Flt Lt: £1. 1s 9d
Sqn Ldr: £1. 10s 10d

£1 in 1943 is equivalent in purchasing power to about £47.27 in 2021 (UK Office of National Statistics)

[Herod]

IIRC, in '65 the daily rate for an acting Pilot Officer was £ 1. 8 s (£ 1.40) plus 11 s (55p) flying pay. £ 1.95 decimal. Of course, back then, accommodation and food was provided, beer was about 5p a pint, and very few of us owned cars. The money was enough. Plus, of course, we were allowed to fly aeroplanes !!