description
Physical description
Royal Air Force khaki service dress sleeve rank insignia to a Second Lieutenant, 1918-19, being a fragment of khaki uniform sleeve on which is sewn one narrow 5/16-inch wide strip of rank lace, being a khaki background with a central pale blue stripe. Above the braid ring, a flying eagle, looking left, with above it a King's crown, both in gilded metal. Eagle and crown with one and two screw fittings respectively to reverse, with which they are secured to the sleeve with a single backing plate and three circular nuts.
History note
Following the formation of the RAF in 1918, two uniforms were provided for officers: one service dress khaki uniform and one pale blue-grey, intended as an optional mess dress. In July 1918 this was sanctioned for daytime wear as service dress.
Rank was indicated on the cuffs with khaki rank lace that bore a central pale blue stripe. Above these rings, a gilt metal eagle and separate crown was worn.
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The RAF continued to use army rank titles until August 1919.