Field Marshal (UK)

Encyclopedia : F : FI : FIE : Field Marshal (UK)

Please see "Field Marshal" for other countries which use this rank

Field Marshal Viscount Slim in his Field Marshal's uniform, holding a marshal's baton.

Field Marshal is the highest military rank of the United Kingdom, equivalent to a General of the Army in other countries. It ranks immediately above the rank of General and is the Army equivalent to an Admiral of the Fleet.

The rank insignia of a Field Marshal in the British Army comprises two crossed batons in a wreath, with a crown above. In some other countries, previously under the sphere of British influence, an adapted version of the insignia is used for Field Marshals, often with the crown being replaced with an alternative cultural or national emblem.

The office of Marshal was known in England from the 12th century, but in the introduction of the modern military title Great Britain was a relative latecomer. It was introduced by George I, the first King of the House of Hanover, in the style of the continental armies. The 1st Earl of Orkney became the first field marshal in 1736.

During the early part of the 20th century the Chief of the Imperial General Staff was usually a Field Marshal. After the creation of the office of Chief of the Defence Staff, Army occupants of the office were Field Marshals until the 1990s. Now, no Field Marshals are to be routinely appointed in peacetime, although members of the Royal Family and certain other very senior officers are still eligible to be appointed (although none has been appointed since the general suspension of the rank).

Although traditionally the British monarch is a Field Marshal, Queen Elizabeth II does not hold that rank, and the Prince of Wales has been said to have indicated an unwillingness to be the only five-star officer of the armed forces. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Edward, Duke of Kent are two of the few remaining Field Marshals of the British Army.

The Royal Marines do not have an equivalent rank to Field Marshal, although the position of Captain General has the same insignia and uniform as an Army Field Marshal.

References