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My dad was born in the UK. I was born in Rhodesia in 1974. I've had a British passport ever since I can remember.

I can't establish if my passport is through descent, or other by descent, as it depends if it was gained through being a British Colony ie. as if I was born in the UK, or through my dad who was born in the UK.

I'm trying to find out if I can apply for British citizenship through my father, for my son, who is born in South Africa. There is apparently a clause about if the grandfather was in Crown Service at the time the mother (me) was born, then the grandchild can get.

The question is, does anyone know if the Rhodesian Air Force (or the Royal Rhodesian Air Force as it was known) is considered Crown Service?

FO Gyro wrote:The question is, does anyone know if the Rhodesian Air Force (or the Royal Rhodesian Air Force as it was known) is considered Crown Service?

Unlikely. The Rhodesian government, as then, had adopted an Unilateral Declaration of Independence in 1965, declaring itself a Dominion with the Queen as Queen of Rhodesia, though it was not so in British law. It went further in 1970, declaring Rhodesia a republic. So, at the time of your birth, your father's service was not even to the Queen of Rhodesia, but to a government in rebellion against HMG. Therefore, his service was not Crown Service at the time of your birth. Therefore, your British citizenship is citizenship by descent.

Have you lived at least three consecutive years (at any age) in the UK, with absences of no more than 90 days per year? If so, with proof of such stay, your children born abroad are entitled (i.e. can not be refused) to register as British citizens under Section 3(2) of the British Nationality Act 1981. However, be aware that their citizenship will also be citizenship by descent.