Air Chief Marshal, Air Marshal and Air Vice-Marshal
All these ranks are referred to as 'Air Marshal' except on the envelope or in a formal description - such as a list - when the exact rank is given.
The letters RAF may follow the name, and any letters signifying orders, etc.
How to Address an Air Chief Marshal, Air Marshal or Air Vice-Marshal
The recommended style of address is as follows:
| Beginning of letter | Dear Sir John/Dear Air Marshal Grey |
| End of letter | Yours sincerely |
| Envelope | Air Chief Marshal Sir John Smith, GBE, RAF; Air Vice-Marshal Edward Grey, CB, CBE, RAF (these ranks should not be abbreviated) |
| Verbal communication | Sir John/Air Marshal Grey* |
| Invitation | Air Marshal Sir John Smith |
| Joint invitation+ | Air Marshal Sir John and Lady Smith |
| Description in conversation | Sir John/Air Marshal Grey (or The Air Marshal) |
| List of Directors or Patrons | Air Marshal Sir John Smith, GBE, RAF |
| Place card | Air Marshal Sir John Smith |
*A younger man, or a 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.
