Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:30:37-2:30:58

Promotion from the lower deck into the officer corps

Royal Navy service offered capable non-commissioned officers a route into the commissioned ranks, although access to advancement was never equal for everyone.

Naval Officer PromotionNaval RankPersonnelRoyal Navy
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Question

How common was it for Royal Navy commissioned officers to rise from the ranks?

Short answer

It was a well-used route for capable non-commissioned officers, although advancement was never equally available to everyone.

Notes

Promotion from the ranks was a common feature of Royal Navy careers in the past. The service could be a strong vehicle for advancement, and capable non-commissioned officers could receive commissions. Opportunity remained uneven, so many sailors did not receive the same chance to rise. Practical experience could nevertheless carry a sailor from the lower deck into the officer corps.