Purchasing a Commission

 

Army

Entry into, and promotion within, the officer corps of the Army between 1661 and 1871 was with the exceptions of Royal appointments (Generals to Field Marshals), field promotions (for acts of bravery) almost wholly dependent, two-thirds of all officers' commissions, on the sale and purchase of commissions.

 

Royal Navy

Commissions were neither sold nor purchased.

 

Author: Jacqueline Diamond

Title: Song for a Lady

'buy me a position in the navy'

OFFICERS' RANKS


The Royal Navy (at sea)

Admiral

Vice-Admiral

Rear-Admiral

Captain

Lieutenant

Midshipman

 
The infamous rank of 'Master and Commander' referred to naval officers who commanded ships of war too large to be commanded by a Lieutenant but too small to warrant the assignment of a post-captain. The rank was discontinued in 1794 and had fallen into disuse by the year of Trafalgar in 1805.
 
Army (in the field)
Field Marshal (Please note the spelling - one l only)
General
Lieutenant-General
Major-General
Colonel
Lieutenant-Colonel
Major
Captain
Lieutenant (pronounced lef-tenant - but NEVER spelled this way)
2nd Lieutenant - Cornet (Cavalry), Ensign (Infantry)
 
Author: Gail Eastwood
Title: The Lady from Spain
The hero has the rank of Lieutenant Major. This rank does NOT exist. The senior ranks of non-commissioned officers during the Napoleonic Wars was Sergeant-Major.

ADMIRALS - Red, White, Blue and Yellow

For a simple follow this link.