History of Commissioning

[FrogFly]

I need a little help with finding some data on the history of the commissioned officer. I've been digging around the internet and cannot come up with anything. I was told that it originally had to do with the king commissioning captains of naval vessels to take command of their respective warship, etc. Does anyone have any knowledge on this subject?

Furthermore, anyone have any historical information on the meaning of the rank Second Lieutenant? Perhaps any background on that subject?

As you can tell, I'm a boot preparing for commissioning next month. My commissioning officer wanted to find a little history on these two subjects for the ceremony. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Ironfeliks23]

Of the things I know. In regard to the Royal Navy. A commisioned officer was just that. An officer of the Navy commissioned as a direct servant of the King with orders to obey the admiralty and pursue the Kings interests abroad. Lts. were commisioned officers who were there to take the place of the captain if needed, 3rd, 2nd, 1st, etc... The word Lieutenant is a french word that means (dont quote me) one who takes over. Commanders were Captains of 4th(?) rate ships and lower, Post Captains were captains of 4th(?) rates and up, Frigates and ships of the line. Your title as Commander of your vessal was related to the size of your boat. i.e. Commander or Post Captain.

Midshipmen did not have a commision from the King as such were not commissioned officers, however they could pass the review board and be granted one through the Admiralty. Warrent officers (Master, Bosun, Gunner, Purser, Surgeon, etc..) had warrents from the Navy Office to perform certain tasks, as such were ineligable from commanding a ship in the Kings Navy. However there were other privilages I dont know. Mates were simply men in training for a skill, many midshipmen took the title Masters Mate as they were learning Navigation primarily.

As to the Marine Ranks, I cannot say. Ships of the line usually had a Capt. (of the Marines) with 2-3 Lts. and several Sgts. and Cpls. Smaller frigates often only had a Lt. or at the very least a Sgt.

This I have learned through reading of Naval Fiction and a few short non-fiction books. Hornblower, Aubrey and Maturin, the Nelson's Navy, and the like. I figure the guys that wrote them took the time to do the research and cant be that far off. Take it with that grain of salt, and I hope it helps some.

 

[FrogFly]

That's exactly the kind of stuff I've been looking for. My commisssioning officer wanted to get some info together in an attempt to lay the groundwork for what is going to take place. This way it will give everyone a little history lesson and better understanding of the origins of the ceremony. I appreciate the help.