Promotions

[Gordon]

Can someone explain how promotions worked? I've been looking at the history to the 78th regiment in the 1860's. I see the same person promoted through Lt. General and subsequently to Colonel. Since he was already promoted to Colonel on his way to Lt. General, I'm do not understand the last "promotion".

[Currie]

Hello Gordon,

Could it have anything to do with holding Brevet rank? According to this Wiki it was restricted to ranks from Captain to Lieutenant-Colonel after 1854 but maybe there's a connection. I would be interested to know what documents contain the information you have, and also the name of the individual if possible. There may be other documents, such as newspapers, online that may clarify things. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brevet_(military)

All the best,
Alan

[Currie]

Back again Gordon,

In this book from 1824, http://www.google.com.au/books?id=uJ48A ... 22&f=false

At the top of the second column, for July, Gazette Promotions there’s:
“7th foot; brevet lieut.-col. A. C. Wylly, to be major.”

Here’s another from 1831, under August Gazette Promotions http://www.google.com.au/books?id=ZnZPj ... 22&f=false

Brevet colonel to be major, brevet colonel to be lieutenant-colonel, brevet major to be captain etc.

Alan

[Currie]

I don’t think that there was ever a brevet rank above that of colonel in the British Army. Perhaps he was made “Colonel of the Regiment” in a type of ceremonial capacity.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonel_%2 ... Kingdom%29

Still guessing,
Alan

[Adam Brown]

Perhaps he was made “Colonel of the Regiment” in a type of ceremonial capacity.

That would be my suggestion too. Can you give us the name of the General / Colonel?

Regards

Adam

[Gordon]

Sorry for the long delay.

What I am looking at is Harts Military list for 1868, page 257. This is for the 76th Regiment. At the top there are officer designations. I am looking at the "Colonel" designation showing Colonel Clarke. After his name are date of promotion and ranks attained. The second to the last designation is for Lt. General and the last one is Colonel. The last designation also has the letters F. G.

Any thoughts on how this works?

[Currie]

Hello Gordon,

Hart's Annual Army list, Militia list, and Imperial Yeomanry List – 1868.
http://www.google.com.au/books?id=QceVr ... 22&f=false

Page 357.
76th Regiment of Foot.

Colonel.—Joseph Clarke … 58 years service.
Major Gen. 16 March 58;
Lt. Gen. 28 Oct. 64;
Col. 76th F. 6 Nov. 62.

The last entry would mean Colonel 76th Foot but if the last date is 6 Nov. 1862 it looks as though he got the job when he was a Major General and the promotions to his "real" rank continued on as normal.

If you look at the list of Field Marshal’s at the front of the book (to get there click on Overview and then on Read) you’ll see that they all got the “promotion” to Colonel of a Regiment. Every regiment is the same and has a “Colonel of the Regiment” usually an elderly General performing ceremonial roles” It’s the Lieutenant Colonel who does the real work.

Hope that helps,
Alan

P.S.
The Caledonian Mercury (Edinburgh), Tuesday, November 25, 1862
WAR OFFICE, PALL-MALL, Nov.21.
76th Regiment of Foot—Major-General Joseph Clarke to be Colonel, vice General Jervois, deceased.

Alan

[Gordon]

Thanks, Alan.

If he got a promotion to a ceremonial post that had a specific rank associated with it, it's more understandable.
I couldn't understant how he went "backwards" in promotions. I appreciate your clarification.