Royal Navy ranks

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|align="center" |Post Captain
|align="center" |Post Captain
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|The commander of a "post ship", this was at least a [[sixth rate]], carrying between 20-28 guns.
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|align="center" |Master and Commander
|align="center" |Master and Commander
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|A Master and Commander was the captain of an unrated ship, usually a sloop or brig of less than 20 guns. This rank was soon to be shortened to Commander. He would be known as captain when actually commanding a ship.
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|align="center" |Lieutenant
|align="center" |Lieutenant
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|This was one of several commissioned officers under the captain. It was the lowest rank to have half-pay when not serving aboard ship.
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|align="center" |Midshipman
|align="center" |Midshipman
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|Technically not a commissioned officer, a midshipman was usually a young boy learning to become an officer. They could be promoted to Master's Mate when qualified for a lieutenancy but not yet commissioned.
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Revision as of 17:53, 14 June 2007

The ranks of the Royal Navy have become the model for many navies. By the time of Jack Aubrey they were established and only minor changes have been made since. The following table lists the ranks in the early 19th century.

Contents

Flag Officers

Flag officers or admirals were the most senior commanders in the Royal Navy. An admiral commanded an number of ships in a squadron or fleet. There were nine ranks of admiral, each of the three levels was further subdivided into three colours of flag, Red, White and Blue, and promotion up the ranks was by seniority, not merit. In the early 19th century any post captain would become an admiral by seniority if he survived long enough, however, as described in The Yellow Admiral, this did not automatically lead to an active command.

Rank Description
Admiral of the Fleet The Admiral of the Fleet is the most senior Admiral in the Navy, the position was later known as First Sea Lord. During the period 1799-1811 the position was held by Sir Peter Parker and from 1811-1821 by the Duke of Clarence.
Admiral The highest flag officer rank, an Admiral flew his flag at the main mast.
Vice Admiral The Vice Admiral was originally the commander of the leading ships or van in the line of battle. His flag was flown at the foremast.
Rear Admiral The Rear Admiral originally commanded the rear of the line of battle. His flag was flown at the mizzen.
Commodore A commodore in the early 19th century was a temporary rank given to a Post Captain commanding an independent squadron. There were two levels of Commodore, the first rank had a captain under him to command his flagship and wore a Rear Admiral's uniform. A Commodore of the second rank had to command the ship as well as the squadron. Commodores flew a broad pennant.

Commissioned officers

Rank Description
Post Captain The commander of a "post ship", this was at least a sixth rate, carrying between 20-28 guns.
Master and Commander A Master and Commander was the captain of an unrated ship, usually a sloop or brig of less than 20 guns. This rank was soon to be shortened to Commander. He would be known as captain when actually commanding a ship.
Lieutenant This was one of several commissioned officers under the captain. It was the lowest rank to have half-pay when not serving aboard ship.
Midshipman Technically not a commissioned officer, a midshipman was usually a young boy learning to become an officer. They could be promoted to Master's Mate when qualified for a lieutenancy but not yet commissioned.

Wardroom Warrant officers

Rank Description
Master
Surgeon
Chaplain
Purser

Standing Warrant officers

Rank Description
Boatswain
Carpenter
Gunner

Other Warrant officers

Rank Description
Master at Arms
Sailmaker
Armourer
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