Brave British soldiers and the Victoria Cross / a general account of the regiments and men of the British Army, and stories of the brave deeds which won the prize "for valour"

by Unknown

RELATIVE RANKS OF ARMY AND NAVY OFFICERS.

An Admiral of the Fleet	Ranks with Field-Marshal of the Army.
Admirals	Rank with Generals.
Vice-Admirals	Rank with Lieutenant-Generals.
Rear-Admirals	Rank with Major-Generals.
Commodores	Rank with Brigadier-Generals.
Captains after three years	Rank with Colonels.
Captains during first three years	Rank with Lieutenant-Colonels.
Commanders	Rank with Majors.
Lieutenants, Masters, and Paymasters	Rank with Captains.
Mates	Rank with Lieutenants.
Midshipmen	Rank with Ensigns.

The givers of dinners in country places where relative ranks are not well understood may take a hint from this list, for they not unusually commit a breach of etiquette in ceding the first honours to an army Major when a navy Captain is present, being unaware that the latter is the officer of the higher rank. It is not, of course, expected that every lady or gentleman is to be a perambulating Army and Navy List, but a glance at either publication and a comparison with the invitation list may often prevent an officer from feeling snubbed—we having ourselves frequently seen a grey-headed veteran naval Captain put on one side, whilst a young army Major was requested to conduct the lady of the house from the drawing-room; the reason assigned being that military and naval men were so punctilious and scrupulous about ranks, and Major ranks above Captain.

In no case, however, can a naval officer command a military officer on shore, or a military a naval officer at sea.

We next come to that valuable branch of the army termed the Non-Commissioned Officers, and dealing first with the Cavalry we have the following ranks:—