The Air Force Lists were comprehensive documents – They provided details on the Commissioned Officers of the RAF, Appointments of the Air Ministry and various HQs, Honorary Commissions, Gradation Lists (including WAAF and RAF Nursing Services), Warrant Officers and Lists for Reserve and Retired Officers.  

The books had a comprehensive index by last name that made location of officer’s rank and date of promotion easier. The index also carries the personnel numbers of these officers. The lists, which at the beginning of the war were around 600 pages , grew in size and by the end were routinely over 1500 pages in length