About the Archive
The 602 Squadron Museum Association Archive has been added to and developed since the establishment of the Museum in 1983. Donations and bequests from former Squadron members and their families have provided a rich and varied documentary history of 602 Squadron.
This Online Archive aims to make some of the unique materials from the 602 Squadron Museum Archive available through digitization. This is entirely voluntary project and materials will be added to the online archive over a period of time.
If you are interested in donating materials to the archive, please contact the 602 Squadron Museums Association Chairman (email Chairman).
Glossary of Commonly Used Terms
Ranks of the Royal Air Force
Non-Commissioned Ranks in Ascending Order
Rank
Leading Aircraftman
Senior Aircraftman
Senior Aircraftman (Technician)
Junior Technician
Corporal
Sergeant
Chief Technician
Flight Sergeant
Warrant Officer
Abbreviation
LAC
SAC
SAC (Tech)
Jnr Tech
Cpl
Sgt
Chf Tech
FS
WO
Commissioned Ranks in Ascending Order
Rank
Pilot Officer
Flying Officer
Flight Lieutenant
Squadron Leader
Wing Commander
Group Captain
Air Commodore
Air Vice-Marshal
Air Marshal
Air Chief Marshal
Marshal of the Air Force
Abbreviation
Plt Off
Flg Off
Flt Lt
Sqn Ldr
Wg Cdr
Gp Capt
Air Cdre
AVM
Air Mshl
Air Chf Mshl
MRAF
Royal Air Force Medals and Awards
| Award | Qualification |
| Victoria Cross (VC) | All ranks - Highest award for bravery |
| Distinguished Service Order (DSO) | Commissioned Officers for distinguished services under fire for either general or specific acts |
| Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) | Officers & Warrant Officers serving with the fleet |
| Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) | NCO's & Men for services with the fleet or afloat ie: Air Sea Rescue |
| Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CGM) | NCO's and Other Ranks for distinguished services under fire either general or specific acts |
| Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) | Officers & Warrant Officers for exceptional valor, courage and devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy. Collective or immediate award |
| Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) | NCO's for exceptional valor, courage and devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy. Collective or immediate award |
| Air Force Cross (AFC) | Officers & Warrant Officers for acts of valor, courage & devotion to duty not in active service against the enemy |
| Air Force Medal (AFM) | NCO's & Men for acts of valor, courage & devotion to duty not in active service against the enemy |
| Military Medal (MM) | NCO's & Men for Services on the ground |
| Air Efficiency Award (AEA) | All ranks for 10 years service (Reduced for certain types of war service) |
| Mentioned in Dispatches (Oak Leaf Clasp) | For gallantry or bravery which fell just short of a gallantry medal |
Support
This section includes links to online video tutorials to help you learn more about the fuctionality of the digital archive.
