John Salmond

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Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir John Maitland Salmond (17 July, 1881 – 16 April, 1968). After joining the British Army and serving as an infantry officer, Salmond learnt to fly. During World War One he commanded several Royal Flying Corps formations and was Director-General of Military Aeronautics at the War Office. Towards the close of the War, Salmond was appointed General Officer Commanding the Royal Flying Corps in the Field. Upon the creation of the Royal Air Force, he became General Officer Commanding the RAF in the Field.

As Chief of the Air Staff

On 1 January 1930 Air Chief Marshal Salmond was appointed Chief of the Air Staff. As Trenchard's successor, Salmond fought to keep the RAF as an independent force. On 1 January 1933 Salmond was promoted to Marshal of the Royal Air Force and he relinquished the post of Chief of the Air Staff on 1 April 1933. John Salmond was succeeded by his older brother, Air Chief Marshal Sir Geoffrey Salmond. However, only 27 days later, Geoffrey Salmond died and John Salmond was temporarily re-appointed as Chief of the Air Staff. He finally stood down on 22 May 1933.

Later years

During the Second World War, Salmond was Director of Armament Production at the Ministry of Aircraft Production. He resigned this appointment in 1941 after clashing with Lord Beaverbrook, the Minister of Aircraft Production. Salmond then accepted the appointment as Director-General of Flying Control and Air Sea Rescue. Ill heath forced Salmond to retire in 1943 and he died in 1968.

Reference

[Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation - MRAF Salmond]

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