"I just looked up the rank structure for the RAF during the Second World War The equivilent tank of a Sergeant Major in the RAF Was (And for all I know may still be) Master technician. So Snuffy, you're correct in your statement. Bugsy, Does the RAF still use Master Technician? Neil "

A bit late but I didn't see this thread the previous time around.

Master Technician was abolished as a rank in 1964 and merged with Warrent Officer. The rank is equivalent to the army WO1 which is the rank held by a regimental sergeant major.

There is no RAF equivalent to the army WO2 (company sergeant major) so flight sergeant to WO is effectively a double promotion by army standards.