Naval Aide-de-Camp

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A Naval Aide-de-Camp was an officer of the Royal Navy appointed by the British monarch. They were eleven in number, one of whom was usually an Admiral and was styled First and Principal Naval Aide-de-Camp. The other ten were Post-Captains, who relinquished the appointment when promoted to the rank of Rear-Admiral. The first Naval Aides-de-Camp were appointed by William IV on 4 August, 1830.[1]

The duties of the Naval Aides-de-Camp appear to have been to wait upon the Monarch at Court. Whilst originally considered an honour, by the outbreak of the Great War the Aides-de-Campships tended to be awarded to the senior Captains on the list rather than by selection.

Of the Captains, the six senior were paid, as late as the Great War, £182 10 shillings a year, and the four junior were unpaid. There were on occasion extra Naval Aides-de-Camp appointed. In addition the Monarch could also appoint Personal Naval Aides-de-Camp (naval officers who were members of or related to the Royal family) or Honorary Naval Aides-de-Camp (e.g. Sir James R. T. Fullerton).

Aiguillettes were worn on the right shoulder when in attendance on the Sovereign.[2] Prior to February, 1874, a crimson and gold sash had been worn.[3]

See Also

Footnotes

  1. The United Service Journal and Naval and Military Magazine. 1830. Part II. p. 368.
  2. The Navy List. (October, 1915). p. 832.
  3. Bulletins and Other State Intelligence for the Year 1874: Part 1.—January to June. p. 198.

Bibliography