KING GEORGE’S OFFICERS – PART THREE As commissions and promotions were strictly regulated by the Horse Guards, the only influence over promotion a commander in the field could have was when an officer was killed in action, and when he sent an officer home carrying despatches. As a commission was not inheritable property and died with the holder, the vacancy could be filled free of purchase, and custom dictated that when this happened on active service the local commander of the forces could fill it with a deserving officer of his choice. Technically the commander could promote anyone, provided he was qualified by time and recommendation, but in practice it usually went to the next senior. The more senior the deceased officer was, of course, the more free promotions flowed from his death, hence the regular toast in officers’ messes was ‘here’s to a sudden plague and a bloody war’. While such promotions had to be approved by the Horse Guards, approval was hardly ever withheld. After a successful battle the Commander-in-Chief would write a detailed report of the action, which would be taken back to England and delivered to the government and the king. By tradition the officer bearing the despatch received a promotion of one rank, free of purchase, and commanders would usually select a promising officer who lacked the cash to buy his next rank.
KING GEORGE'S OFFICERS - PART THREE
KING GEORGE'S OFFICERS - PART THREE
KING GEORGE'S OFFICERS - PART THREE
KING GEORGE’S OFFICERS – PART THREE As commissions and promotions were strictly regulated by the Horse Guards, the only influence over promotion a commander in the field could have was when an officer was killed in action, and when he sent an officer home carrying despatches. As a commission was not inheritable property and died with the holder, the vacancy could be filled free of purchase, and custom dictated that when this happened on active service the local commander of the forces could fill it with a deserving officer of his choice. Technically the commander could promote anyone, provided he was qualified by time and recommendation, but in practice it usually went to the next senior. The more senior the deceased officer was, of course, the more free promotions flowed from his death, hence the regular toast in officers’ messes was ‘here’s to a sudden plague and a bloody war’. While such promotions had to be approved by the Horse Guards, approval was hardly ever withheld. After a successful battle the Commander-in-Chief would write a detailed report of the action, which would be taken back to England and delivered to the government and the king. By tradition the officer bearing the despatch received a promotion of one rank, free of purchase, and commanders would usually select a promising officer who lacked the cash to buy his next rank.