Royal Naval Air Service Rank Insignia, 1914-1918
Commissioned Officers
The uniforms of the RNAS had just begun to take shape when the war began in 1914. Officers who had entered the RNAS directly wore eagles in place of the anchors on the buttons and cap badges, and flying officers wore an eagle on the left cuff. Officers who had transferred to the RNAS from the regular navy continued to wear their former cap badge and buttons.
In June 1917, flying officers were ordered to wear eagles on both cuffs or shoulder straps, and observer badges were authorized. Stars were also introduced to indicate higher appointments in flying units. In November 1917, non-flying officers attached to the RNAS were ordered to wear a winged "A" insignia above their stripes. This highest rank held by an observer officer before amalgamation with the Royal Air Force was Squadron Observer (under 8 years seniority).
1914-June 1917
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Wing
Captain
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Wing
Commander
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Squadron
Commander
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Flight
Lieutenant
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Flight
Sub-lieutenant
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After June 1917
Warrant Officers
1914-1918
Petty Officers and Ratings
RNAS ratings wore insignia similar to the rest of the Royal Navy. All wore the "fore and aft rig" ("Class I" or "Class III" uniforms) of jacket and tie with gilt buttons for Chief Petty Officers and black buttons for others. Chief Petty Officers generally did not wear specialty badges, just the gilt eagles on the jacket collar. Right arm distinguishing badges incorporated the eagle.
