British Military Aviation in 1933

1 January
Rank of Sergeant Major is abolished in the Royal Air Force and replaced by Warrant Officer.

6 February
The Fairey Long Range Monoplane MkII establishes a new nonstop world long distance record. Squadron Leader O.R. Gayford and Flight Lieutenant G.E. Nicholetts flying from RAF Cranwell and landing at Walvis Bay in South Africa cover 8,544 kilometres (5,309 miles).

March-August
An attack on the capital of Afghanistan, Kabul, is carried out by Mahsud and Wazir tribesmen following agitation by the former Amir Ammanuella. Subsequently, Royal Air Force bombing attacks on their home villages quickly convince the tribesmen to desist.

April
The squadron system is re-introduced for Fleet Air Arm units. Between 1923 and 1933, the Fleet Air Arm had consisted of a number of flights, each of which had normally comprised of six aircraft. Existing flights are now reformed into squadrons of nine to twelve aircraft and each is allocated a squadron number in the 800 series.

1 April
Air Chief Marshal Sir Geoffrey Salmond is officially appointed to succeed his brother, Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir John Salmond, as Chief of the Air Staff. However, Sir Geoffrey falls ill before he could assume the post and Sir John serves as Chief of the Air Staff in his brother's stead.

27 April
Air Chief Marshal Sir Geoffrey Salmond, the Chief of the Air Staff, dies.

22 May
Air Chief Marshal Sir Edward Ellington is appointed Chief of the Air Staff.