Wing leader

The role of wing leader originated in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II, when senior fighter pilots, usually of wing commander rank, were given responsibility for coordinating the operations of several squadrons—originally three, later as many as five—in combat.

[5] Several of the early wing leader appointees were, like Bader and Malan, veterans of the Battle of Britain.

[2] Wing leaders did not have administrative or command responsibility for their formations; that role was reserved for a more senior officer, generally a group captain.

[11] The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) adopted the RAF concept of large fighter formations led by wing leaders for operations in the South West Pacific theatre, starting in the North-Western Area in 1943, with an air defence campaign that the RAAF saw in terms of another Battle of Britain.

The wing came under the overall command of Group Captain Allan Walters and Caldwell was responsible for flying operations.

[13] RAF Bomber Command also appointed wing leaders during the early Cold War period, although the title was modified to wing commander (operations) and the role encompassed training as well as air operations.