General (rank)

A General, abbreviated to Gen and also known as full general to distinguish it from the lower general officer ranks), is the highest rank currently achievable by serving officers of the British Army. It ranks above Lieutenant General and, in the Army, is subordinate to the rank of Field Marshal, which is now only awarded as an honorary rank. It is equivalent to a full admiral in the Royal Navy or an air chief marshal in the Royal Air Force. Officers holding the ranks of Lieutenant General, Major General may be generically considered to be generals.

A general's insignia is a crossed sword and baton. This appeared on its own for the now obsolete rank of Brigadier General. A Major General has a pip over this emblem; a Lieutenant General a crown instead of a pip; and a full general both a pip and a crown. The insignia for the highest rank, that of Field Marshal, consists of crossed batons within a wreath and surmounted by a crown..

Glossary of words and phrases

The above term is listed in our glossary of words and phrases of the Armed Forces of Great Britain during the Great War. Included are trench slang, service terms, expressions in everyday use, nicknames, the titles and origins of British and Commonwealth Regiments, and warfare in general. These words and phrases are contemporary to the war, which is reflected in the language used. They have been transcribed from three primary sources (see Contents). Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.
Browse other terms: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z