Need some help on this WWI rank

[CW4AFB]

Gents---I need some help again to ID this rank patch---I get the wagoner part and the aviation part but together with a rocker is beyond my knoowledge set---any ideas?

[atb]

I think the fatter tire is for a Chauffer rather than a Wagoner. I don't have a copy of Emerson's Chevrons book handy to confirm. The rocker below shows a higher grade and the Air Service shows branch. I think that is an immediate post-WW1 chevron of a short lived pattern for a specialist; something like Chauffer First Class, US Army Air Service.

[KurtA]

I think the fatter tire is for a Chauffer rather than a Wagoner. I don't have a copy of Emerson's Chevrons book handy to confirm. The rocker below shows a higher grade and the Air Service shows branch. I think that is an immediate post-WW1 chevron of a short lived pattern for a specialist; something like Chauffer First Class, US Army Air Service.

That's exactly what it is: Chauffer First Class, US Army Air Service. Very similar to a wagoner, except those have just 8 spokes.

This one is rather scarce.

Kurt

[cwnorma]

It is worth noting that during WW1, that holding the rank of Chauffeur did not nessesarily mean that the soldier's job was to drive other people around. During that war, unlike in modern times, motor vehicles were still fairly "new fangled" and it was not common for the average soldier to have any experience driving, let alone hold a driver's license.

 

The Chauffeur was any soldier, not a member of the Motor Transport Corps, who's primary job was to operate motor vehicles. There were no doubt a few traditional Chauffeurs, but the vast majority were operators of other types of vehicles--mostly trucks.

 

The Air Service, and especially the Balloon Corps, utilized a lot of Chauffeurs who primarily drove the winch and gas trucks.

 

Chris

[CW4AFB]

Gents--once again i am amazed at the collective knowledge on this forum---thank you very much.

Al