British Army Officer Rank Insignia - Historical Ranks

Historical Ranks

  • Captain-General: (ca. 17th century) a full General.
  • Sergeant-Major-General: (ca. 17th century) shortened to Major General.
  • Brigadier-General: replaced by Colonel-Commandant in 1922.
  • Colonel-Commandant: replaced by Brigadier in 1928.
  • Sergeant-Major's Major: (ca. 17th century) shortened to Major.
  • Captain-Lieutenant: (ca. 17th & 18th century) the lieutenant of the first company in a regiment, whose captaincy was held by the regimental colonel. On promotion to full captain, the period in this rank was treated as having been a full captain for pay and pension purposes, since he effectively commanded the company.
  • Ensign: lowest subaltern rank in infantry regiments; replaced in 1871 by Second Lieutenant, but still used to refer to Second Lieutenants in some Guards regiments.
  • Cornet: cavalry equivalent of ensign replaced in 1871 by Second Lieutenant, but still used to refer to Second Lieutenants in some cavalry regiments, including the Blues and Royals and The Queen's Royal Hussars.

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