GLOSSARY OF MID-NINETEENTH-CENTURY ROYAL NAVY RANKS

Flag, commissioned, and subordinate officers in order from highest to lowest rank:

Admiral, Vice Admiral, Rear Admiral

Commodore (a rank that a captain holds while leading a squadron or on a special task)

(Post-)Captain

Commander (called ‘Captain’ when leading a ship)

Lieutenant

Master

Chaplain

Surgeon

Paymaster

Sub-Lieutenant (formerly Mate)

Midshipman

Warrant officers. Order does not necessarily denote rank hierarchy because these and other non-commissioned officers often reported directly to the captain, lieutenant, or other officers.

Gunner

Boatswain/Bosun

Carpenter

Chief Engineer

Assistant Engineer

Petty officers. Order does not necessarily denote rank hierarchy.

Master-at-Arms

Captain of the Forecastle and captains of various sail positions

Captain’s Coxswain

Quartermaster

Ship’s Corporal

Sailmaker

Ropemaker

Caulker

Blacksmith

Leading Stoker

Cooper

Armourer

Head Krooman

Leading rates and seamen. Order does not necessarily denote rank hierarchy.

Leading Seaman

Shipwright

Able Seaman

Captain’s Steward

Captain’s Cook

Ward/Gun Room Steward

Ward/Gun Room Cook

Ordinary Seaman

Barber Krooman

Boy 1st Class, Boy 2nd Class