Compiled by Peter Monks

Starting at the lowest 'Rank', a Naval Cadet, then Midshipman in the Royal Navy, the person was a potential captain in training, likely starting at a young age, maybe early to mid teens--but with some education and ability to study and learn his trade.  He would often come from a seafaring family, of upper or middle class, or say from a doctor’s, schoolteacher’s or clergyman’s family.  To obtain such a ‘commission’ required influence, or ‘connections’, the furthest up the social scale the better.  In days past, say the sail era, it was almost impossible to advance from the ‘lower deck’ i.e. seamen to commissioned rank.  Social classes did not mix.  The upper class learnt to command and lead, the lower class were always expected to obey and to be subservient–each taking a fragment of authority within those positions.

Commissioned Branch Officer = 1 half-stripe.
Sub-Lieutenant + Senior Commissioned Branch Officer = 1 stripe.
Lieutenant = 2 stripes.
Lieutenant-Commander = 2 stripes with 1 half-stripe between them.
Commander = 3 stripes.
Captain = 4 stripes.
Commodore 2nd Class = 1 broad stripe.
Commodore 1st Class and Rear-Admiral = 1 broad stripe and 1 stripe.
Vice Admiral = 1 Broad stripe and 2 stripes.
Admiral = 1 Bread stripe and 3 stripes.
Admiral of the Fleet = 1 Broad stripe and 4 stripes.

The Captain was the supreme authority under God, responsible for all aspects in the ship.  He is responsible to his flag or Senior Officer for the charge of his ship its crew, morale or discipline, and provisioning of the ship, etc.  He has as his authority the Naval Discipline Act, and King’s Regulations and Admiralty Instructions, the Navy List, and Admiralty Fleet Orders with other lists from time to time as issued by the Board Of The Admiralty.

Officers and ratings take precedence in accordance with their rank or rate, and their respective seniorities therein.  The order of precedence:
EXECUTIVE  Oldest and most senior branch.  Fills all appointments in command at sea.
ENGINEERING Largest technical branch, said to have started 1821.
ELECTRICAL Formed in 1946 as a result of increased electrical equipment.
CHAPLAINS  ‘Civilians’ until about 100 years ago, they hold no “rank”.
INSTRUCTORS Begun in the 17th Century, their duties to instruct ‘young gentlemen’.
MEDICAL  1843 saw the branch in its present form.
DENTAL  1904 a limited number of dentists were used, 1920 became permanent.
“S” BRANCH Supply and secretariat, an extension of the purser’s duties.
(The order of precedence between the Fighting Forces is Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force.)
General reference to Naval Ratings Handbook B.R.1938   1951 edition.
 

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Last updated 20.04.02ef