Air Commodore, Group Captain, Wing Commander, Squadron Leader and Flight Lieutenant
These ranks are always used in full. The letters RAF follow the name, and any letters that signify Orders, etc.
How to Address the Upper Ranks of the RAF
The recommended social style of address is as follows:
| Beginning of letter | Dear Air Commodore Davis; Dear Group Captain Clive; Dear Wing Commander Ponsonby; Dear Squadron Leader Fane; Dear Flight Lieutenant West |
| End of letter | Yours sincerely |
| Envelope | Air Commodore David Davis, CB, RAF; Group Captain Charles Clive, CBE, RAF; Wing Commander Peter Ponsonby, DFC, RAF; Squadron Leader Francis Fane, MBE, RAF; Flight Lieutenant William West, RAF |
| Verbal communication | Air Commodore Davis; Group Captain Clive; Wing Commander Ponsonby; Squadron Leader Fane; Flight Lieutenant West |
| Invitation | Air Commodore David Davis |
| Joint invitation+ | Air Commodore David and Mrs Davis |
| Description in conversation | Air Commodore Davis (or The Air Commodore) |
| List of Directors or Patrons | Air Commodore David Davis, CB, RAF |
| Place card | Air Commodore David Davis |
*A younger man, or more junior officer in any of the Armed Forces, addresses him as 'Sir'.
+ Note: Traditionally, invitations to a married couple, when sent to their home address, are addressed to the wife alone, with both names being inscribed on the invitation card. It has become increasingly acceptable, however, to address the envelope with both names.
