R.F.C. Staff Officer’s armband or brassard, 1917.  This is the third version of the staff officer’s armband.  The first version introduced in 1915 did not carry the initials "R.F.C." The second version introduced in February, 1916, added the initials.  This third version seen here is a more factory-produced version.  These armbands can be seen in the three contemporary photos below, beginning with a cropped photo of A & C flights of No. 57 Squadron showing an observer wearing the armband; the next photo shows the Chaplain of No. 40 Squadron, Padre Keymer, followed by an Area Intelligence Officer wearing the armband and lastly a photo of Trenchard - with Maurice Baring to the right - with other others including one on the left wearing the armband.  Notice how the armbands always are worn on the right arm.