Admiral (Royal Navy)

Admiral was for all intents and purposes the highest rank one could aspire to in the Royal Navy and still have a sea-going career. Senior to Vice-Admiral but junior to Admiral of the Fleet, Admirals tended to be given command of ocean-going fleets and the home port commands.

Permitted Retinue

In 1888, a Royal Navy Admiral was allotted the Secretary, Flag Lieutenant and Coxswain afforded all flag officers, Commodores First Class and Captains of the Fleet, as well as ten domestics – two fewer than an Admiral of the Fleet enjoyed, and three more than were granted a Vice-Admiral.

Retirement

Flag Officers promoted to the Flag Rank before 8 December, 1903, were compulsorily retired seven years after their flag was hauled down, or if they had not hoisted their flag since their Service as Captain ceased.

Admirals promoted to Flag Rank after 8 December, 1903, and prior to 1 April, 1914, were compulsorily retired five years after their last Service as a Flag Officer.

Those Admirals promoted after 1 April, 1914, were to be compulsorily retired three years after their last Service as a Flag Officer, after they had served one year in the rank of Admiral, and provided it didn't conflict with the other regulations.

See Also

• Royal Navy Flag Officers of the Great War