Supplement to the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Editions of the Encyclopædia Britannica/Admiral

ADMIRAL. Though neither this nor the immediately following articles have been wholly omitted in the body of the work, we have thought it proper to treat them anew, and with more correct detail, in this place; it being our intention, that these Supplemental Volumes shall exhibit a full and accurate view of all that concerns the constitution, government, and efficiency of the British navy. Of the rank of Admiral there are three degrees—Admiral, Vice-Admiral, Rear-Admiral. Each of those degrees consists of three divisions, which are distinguished by as many different colours or flags; hence all admirals assume the common title of flag-officers, and take rank and command in the following order:

Admirals of the Red, of the White, of the Blue Squadrons, bearing their respective flags at the main-top-gallant-mast head: Vice-Admirals of the Red, of the White, of the Blue Squadrons, bearing their respective flags at the fore-top-gallant-mast head: Rear-Admirals of the Red, of the White, of the Blue Squadrons, bearing their respective flags at the mizen-top-gallant-mast head.

It may be remarked, that for a century nearly we had no Admiral of the Red squadron; that flag, according to a vulgar error, having been taken from us by the Dutch in one of those arduous struggles for naval superiority which that nation was once able to maintain against the naval power of England. But the fact is, the red flag was laid aside on the union of the two crowns of England and Scotland, when the Union flag was adopted in its place, and usually hoisted by the Admiral commanding in chief. The red flag, however, has recently been revived, on un occasion worthy of the event; namely, on the promotion of naval officers which took place in November 1805, in consequence of the memorable victory before Trafalgar. See article Navy in this Supplement.

Admiral of the Fleet, is a mere honorary distinction, which gives no command, but an increase of half-pay, his being three guineas a-day, and that of an Admiral two guineas. It is sometimes conferred, but not always, on the senior Admiral on the list of naval officers, being held at present by his Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence. If the Admiral of the fleet should happen to serve afloat, he is authorized to carry the union flag at the main-top-gallant-mast head, which was the case when the Duke of Clarence escorted Louis XVIII, across the Channel, to take possession of the throne of France.

The comparative rank which flag-officers held with officers in the army has been settled as follows by his Majesty’s order in council:

The Admiral and Commander-in-chief of the fleet has the rank of a Field-marshal in the army. Admirals with flags at the main take rank with Generals of horse and foot. Vice-admirals with Lieutenant-generals. Rear-admirals with Major-generals. Commodores with broad pendants with Brigadier-generals. See Navy.