The immediate run down of the RAF was rapid. By March 1920 only 3,280 officers
and 25,000 other ranks remained. The WomenÕs RAF, which too had been created on 1
April 1918, had been completely disbanded. (The RAF Nursing Service, founded in June
1918, did, however, survive the run down. It was established as a permanent branch of the RAF
in January 1921 and became the Princess MaryÕs RAF Nursing Service in June 1923). More
than 23,000 officers, 21,000 cadets (potential pilots) and 227,000 other ranks had been
demobilized. Vast quantities of surplus equipment, aerodromes and landing grounds had been
returned to their original owners or sold off at rock-bottom prices. That such a small force