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.