 Bostock, thought to be "among the Air Force's best brains" at the time, was believed by himself (and Jones) to be the leading candidate for the position.The suggestion even arose that Jones' selection was a mistake, based on the government's reading of an organisation chart that implied he was the RAAF's most senior officer after Bostock, when in fact he was ranked six places below.Other potential appointees had included Air Marshal Richard Williams and Air Vice-Marshal Peter Drummond.