Funding a unit differed from purchasing a commission

Could British officers still buy their ranks in World War I?

The purchase system had ended earlier. Financing a new unit could bring a colonelcy, but did not by itself establish an officer's suitability to command it in battle.

The purchase of commissions had ended before World War I. Some wealthy men nevertheless financed a new regiment or battalion and could receive a colonelcy. If they proved unsuitable for field command, they could be moved into staff or other roles while another officer handled the unit's operations. Others brought useful experience from the Boer War and proved effective enough for further command. Private wealth, a role in raising troops, and the ability to lead them in combat were distinct questions.