When Two Colonels Meet...
Posted by Captain Everett on March 28, 1998 at 09:21:33:
In response to Army Ranks, written by Captain Everett on March 27, 1998 at 21:35:51
Now that we settled on the order of ranks, the question arises, "What happens when two officers of the same rank meet?" That is, who has seniority? This is quite imporatant. First, to determine who is in charge. Second, there is a degree of social ranking here as well. I thought this would help clarify some historical situations, and might be useful to the writers of fanfic.
Officers of the Regulars rank above those of the Fencibles, who are above the Militia. Officers of the Yeomanry and Volunteer Corps are beneath them.
Officers with a Permanent Rank take precedence over those with a Temporary (e.g. a "Brevet" rank), or a Local Rank. (For example: Captain Robinson of the 8th Regiment of Foot was given the "Provincial" rank of Lieutenant-Colonel of the Incorporated Militia of Upper Canada in 1813; he would be under any other Lt-Col., but senior to any Captain - he reverted to Capt. upon leaving the IMUC.)
Officers of the Regulars (or Militia) when together, are ranked in order of the seniority of the date on their respective Commissions.
There were other regulations: Officers on Staff in the capacity of Brigadeir Generals take rank and precedence from the date of the Commission as Colonels. Officers employed as Town or Fort Majors, if under the rank of Captain, take their ranking as the junior Captain in the Brigade or Garrison in which they serve.
The above is from: General Regulations and Orders for the Army (1811) .
I remain,
Jason E.
- neat! thanks!!! nfm ;) Liz 12:13:52 3/30/98
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