When a squadron leader is shot down, who takes over the squadron? His wingman or another flight leader?
Nomenclature is an issue. In Rev 3, JD designates a
"Flight: Either three A/C consisting of a flight lead and two wingmen, or four A/C in two elements of two A/C."
However, the RAF used "flights" that normally contained two Sections of 3 a/c each, or 6 a/c.
If the RAF Squadron Leader (also "A" Flight Leader) is lost, then the "B" Flight Leader takes over command of the Squadron.
If both Flight Leaders are lost, then each 2nd Section Lead takes command of his own Flight, but not of the Squadron.
If all Section Leads (Sqdn CO, Flight "B" CO, 2nd Section CO, 4th Section CO) are lost, then there are no more "Leads" to regroup around and to derive initiatives from.
Lead #1 (Sqdn CO, "A" Flight CO, "Red" Section CO)
Lead #2 ( "A" Flight XO, "Blue" Section CO)
Lead #3 (Sqdn XO, "B" Flight CO, "Yellow" Section CO)
Lead #2 ( "B" Flight XO, "Green" Section CO)
Once the RAF start using Flights of 4, then, for 12 a/c
Lead #1 (Sqdn CO, "A" Flight CO, "Red" Section CO)
Lead #2 (Sqdn XO#1, "B" Flight CO, "Blue" Section CO)
Lead #3 (Sqdn XO#2, "C" Flight CO, "Yellow" Section CO)
For 16 a/c
Lead #1 (Sqdn CO, "A" Flight CO, "Red" Section CO)
Lead #2 ( "A" Flight XO, "Blue" Section CO)
Lead #3 (Sqdn XO, "B" Flight CO, "Yellow" Section CO)
Lead #2 ( "B" Flight XO, "Green" Section CO)
Wild Bill
BoB GM
(https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/FW_BoB_RAF/conversations/messages/376) 12/12/2015