Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:28:12-1:29:16

First lieutenant, commander, or executive officer?

The Royal Navy's second-in-command could be described by appointment, rank, or shipboard usage, and the terminology varied with vessel size.

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Question

Was the first lieutenant the Royal Navy equivalent of an executive officer from 1850 to 1950?

Short answer

Often on smaller ships, but titles and ranks varied with ship type and size.

Notes

No single title fits every Royal Navy ship across a century. A destroyer's first lieutenant could perform the function commonly called executive officer. On a battleship, the officer might hold the rank of commander or another senior appointment. Sources may call the same general role first officer, executive officer, first lieutenant, or simply the commander.