army ranks

[ebo]

I guess this info. is on this site somewhere but I couldn't find it.

I'm unsure of what the highest rank for an 'other rank' is and therefore what the lowest rank for an officer is. In fact could someone help me with a general breakdown of ranks in the army and how likely it was say for a soldier to be promoted from private to the next rank up. Also whats the difference between commisionned and non-commisioned officers? Thanks

[armourersergeant]

Feild Marshall.......Highest rank usually Head of armed forces

General.............Army commander

Lt-General..........Corps commander

Major-General.........Divisional commander

Brigadier-General....Brigade ccommander

Colonel.........Usuallt staff position i think.

Lt-Colonel......Battalion commander

Major.............Batt 2nd in command or company commander

Captain..........company commnader

Leiutnant......platoon commander

2nd Leiutnant....platoon commnader

all above are commissioned officers, ranks are usal i believe in respect of WW1, though somtimes they may hold other commands with a lower rank, though rarely higher.

Wo1....warrant officers usually Regimental sergeant mnajors etc

Wo2...warrnt officer 2 usually comapany sergeant major

Staff/ colour Sergeant....company quartermaster sergeant

sergeant...platoon sergeant

Corporal.....section commander.

Lance Corporal...sub section commnader

Private/Gunner/Trooper/Sapper....poor bloody infantryman or other type.

Arm.

Ps i believ this is correct though some ranks were changed early on in the war and thus this maybe the latter part, know doubt others will be able to corrcet if i am wrong

[ebo]

thanks for your help!

I had a feeling i'd made a cock up in thinking a corporal was an officer.

such a lot to learn.........

[garyem1]

Arm,

Can you tell me what a, ` Lance Sergeant` is.

gary

[Muerrisch]

Lance Sergeant was an appointment for a substantive corporal, a limited number allowed at any one time, attracted a little extra pay, wore three chevrons like a sergeant [but no sash, ever], a member of Sergeant's Mess, not eligible to hold any of the Mess appointments. A Lance Sergeant's appointment was not temporary, in contrast to Acting, for example. Defunct except in Brigade of Guards since, I believe, 1946.

I can flesh this up if needs be.

[garyem1]

Thank you, Langleybaston1418.

I have searched the net for an answer to this question, but no luck. The info you have given me is great, if you have more, and some time, ( I don`t care when) I would appreciate anything on this subject.

gary

[Muerrisch]

Two more squirts of info:

an infantry battalion 1914 establishment was allowed eight corporals appointed Lance Sergeant, meant to be two per company. Such men attracted an extra 4d.

Rates of pay, Line, 1914: corporal 1/8- per day, corporal appointed L/Sgt 2/- [ie one tenth part of £1], Sergeant 2/4-. Multiply by 40 times to get 2003 equivalent.