Warrant Officers have always
been specialists carried on board ships for specific responsibilities requiring
a very high level of experience and detailed knowledge. These attributes were
not expected of the "fighting" officers who were primarily concerned
with the tactics necessary to make contact with the enemy and then to "fight"
the ship. To do this successfully it was essential for warships to carry others
who would ensure that the ship was always in a high state of readiness. It had
to be well maintained and its guns always ready for use, with ample charges and
projectiles. More importantly it had to be in the right place at the right
time. These specialists were attached to the ship throughout its life, whether
in commission, or "in ordinary" ("laid up"). They did not
hold a King's, or Queen's Commission, but had a Warrant signed by members of
the Board of Admiralty
The First Warrant Officers
Five specialists were ranked as
Warrant Officers, and had the following responsibilities:
Boatswain (Bo'sun) - "Running" and "standing rigging",
sails, anchors and cables. He was also responsible for the maintenance
of discipline on board. This category also served in Royal Dockyards for
similar duties. The origin of the title is buried in antiquity and dates from
The Master - Navigation of the ship.
Carpenter - Hull maintenance and repair.
Clerk - All correspondence.
Gunner - Guns, ammunition and explosives.
Cook - Feeding all on board.
Two other categories were later
elevated to Warrant status having previously been considered to be ratings:
Chaplain - All matters concerned with religious affairs.
Schoolmaster - General teaching requirements.
In 1843 The Master and the
Chaplain were given Commissioned rank. A further change in 1861 granted a
Commission to Schoolmasters engaged in the instruction of naval officers in
shore training establishments. They were renamed "Naval Instructors",
but those serving on ships retained the "Schoolmaster" title with
added distinctions of "Senior Master" and "Headmaster" for
those having greater responsibilities. These titles remained in use until 1946
when all Schoolmasters were given Commissioned rank as Instructor Officers.
Warrant Officers of all
specialisations had to be capable of carrying out instructional duties ashore
and afloat. This criteria still pertains to-day.
Impact of new Technology in the late 19th Century
Advances in scientific knowledge
had a most significant effect on the Royal Navy since they completely changed
design requirements for warships. Use of steel for ship construction and
installation of new types of equipment introduced new manning and support
requirements. Educational and training standards had to be totally revised to
provide new types of rating for the new much larger Fleet. Each category would
require specialist supervision by officers of Warrant rank. The equipment
mountings and optical range finders.
propulsion and other machinery.
for lighting and other services
pre-World War 1 cruiser HMS Fox (no enlargement)
New Categories of Warrant Officer in 1913
It took some years before the
necessary expertise was available but study of "King's Regulations and
Admiralty Instructions" (KR&AI) for 1913 shows the extent to which
Warrant Rank had been introduced for duties ashore and afloat. These Warrant
Officers were responsible for supervision and training of their specialist
category. It should be noted that these new titles are shown in association with
the present Branches of the Service which differ from those in 1913:
Gunner + Selected Gunners - given training as Instructors with particular emphasis on
ships armament. Identified by a Dagger (+) suffix to their rank title and hence
known as "Dagger" Gunners.
Gunner (T) - a direct equivalent of the "Gunner" (see above).
Specialised in torpedo armament equipment operation, maintenance and repair,
and in addition was responsible for electrical distribution circuits.
Warrant Telegraphist - operation, maintenance
and repair of all wireless communication outfits.
Signal Boatswain - all visual signalling matters. Recent developments had
introduced more complex procedures for manoeuvring and tactical control of
Warrant Master at Arms - all disciplinary
matters and ratings drafting in Depots ashore. Supervision of Regulating Branch
Warrant Bo'sun (PRT) - physical training and
organisation of recreational activities in large shore establishments
Warrant Engineer - skilled tradesman with high
standard of education and long initial training to provide
professional standards needed to supervise the operation and repair of complex
mechanical and electrical power generation equipment.
Warrant Mechanician - introduced to provide an avenue of promotion for
selected Stoker ratings. Received skill training similar to that given to
Engine Room Artificers. Mainly employed for shore training of Stoker ratings.
Warrant Shipwright - skilled tradesman with long initial training or entry
after a shore apprenticeship. Responsible for hull repair and maintenance in
wooden and steel ships including operation and maintenance of anchors and
cables. Also employed in Royal Dockyards.
Warrant Ordnance Officer - skilled tradesman
with high educational qualifications and long initial training
Responsible for maintenance
and repair of all types of gunnery equipment, including optical instruments and
Warrant Electrician - skilled tradesman
specialising in maintenance and repair of all electrical equipment including
instrumentation and generating machinery as well as torpedo control equipment.
Warrant Writer - all pay and ships
Warrant Supply Officer - custody and accounting of
naval and victualling stores.
"Warrant Instructor in Cookery" - shore
training of Cook ratings.
Warrant Wardmaster - administrative duties and
patient care in naval hospitals and hospital ships, other than any associated directly
with the work of medical officers and nurses.
pre-World War 2 destroyer HMS
Glowworm (courtesy CyberHeritage)
New Post 1930 Categories
The various specialisations remained
but by 1935 Warrant Rank had been introduced for rating categories which had evolved
since 1918. These reflected the new requirements such as the increased use of
aircraft and the development of improved anti-submarine weapons. These were:
Boatswain (A/S) - 0peration and training of personnel in submarine
detection outfits and anti-submarine weapons together with their maintenance and
repair. This was due to the introduction
of equipment which embodied modern techniques.
Warrant Photographer - all photographic
services in ships and shore establishments. Photography was extensively used in
air operations and gunnery training.
Warrant Steward - supervision of work of
Stewards and administration of Wardroom Mess services to
give an improved
standard in large shore establishments.
The Warrant Officer in World War 2
The tremendous changes in terms
of types of equipment and increase in personnel made great demands on all
holding Warrant Rank during WW2. Their professional and man-management
experience enabled them to make an invaluable contribution. Quite apart from
their instructional duties they did much to ensure a high standard of
availability of equipment and services at sea. As the RN was largely made up of
officers and ratings serving only for the duration of hostilities, the value of
this leavening provided a basis for efficiency which cannot be disregarded.
Although the introduction of
radar and improved weapons had been made before 1939 these equipments were comparatively
rudimentary. The many changes made as new techniques were developed demanded a considerable degree of professional expertise
by existing categories. In the Fleet Air Arm,
Warrant rank was introduced for aircrew (Pilot
and Telegraphist/Air Gunner) and
for Aircraft Maintenance
ratings. These latter required similar skills to those of the Engineering
Branch in ships and their suitability was assessed by professional examination.
Qualifications and Promotion
In general all candidates for
Warrant Rank were required to have achieved the same educational standard by
having passed the Higher Educational Test (A standard slightly less than that
of the pre-1944 School Certificate). Although most branches had professional
examinations these varied considerably between branches and some promotions
were made on the basis of "long and zealous service". Candidates for
Warrant rank were required to have qualified for Petty Officer rating, and in
some cases to have served as such for a number of years.
Few promotions could be made
before the age of 30 because of these constraints. In some cases promotions
were made without sufficient regard to suitability of individuals to their new
status and their ability to adapt to change. The average age of promotion to
Warrant Rank was between 31 and 35, whereas the majority of commissioned
officers were younger. Integration into the new environment was more easily
achieved by those whose education and interests covered a wide enough horizon
to meet their new responsibilities. In this connection previous experience in
activities whether within the service environment or otherwise, and beyond
their particular specialist knowledge was a great asset. The transition did
however require considerable adjustment and needed goodwill on the part of all
involved. When achieved the contribution made by Warrant Officers to overall
efficiency was clearly apparent.
Further advancement to "Commissioned
Officer from Warrant Rank" was a slow process and required 10 years
service as a Warrant Officer. The number of promotions was also limited by the
number of complement billets allowed for that rank. This factor meant that few
Warrant Officers could expect any further promotion until they were over 40
years of age. It was a major cause of disquiet to them since it showed little
appreciation of their contribution and the advantages to be gained by
recognising their merit. There were however an increasing number of Warrant
Officers promoted direct to Lieutenant rank after 1937 although the few so promoted was a
very small proportion of the total number
The Contribution of the Warrant Officer 1913 to 1948
Wide experience gained over many
years enabled Warrant Officers to provide the necessary lubrication to ensure
that the wheels of the "command machinery" worked smoothly. They were
able to ensure that all foreseeable situations were dealt with promptly and
efficiently by virtue of their specialist knowledge and long service. When
necessary, they could improvise and adapt existing facilities and procedures
with a degree of competence simply not available in the case of many younger
officers. Years of supervision of ratings and direct daily contact with all
matters essential to the smooth running of all departments did much to ensure
efficient conduct of affairs whether ashore or afloat.
Because Warrant Officers
retained their association with the Manning Port Division which they had chosen,
usually on entry to the service, they accumulated a wide range of contacts
within the local dockyard and in the Depot. This gave them unrivalled
advantages compared with younger General List Officers who would be appointed
to ships manned from any of the main Depots. Local knowledge of the personnel
involved in dockyards and in the administration of the Depot was gained over
Each dockyard and Manning Depot
had its own local procedures and knowledge of these could be very valuable in
obtaining the best possible service from local support facilities. Family
connections or school friendships also played their part. Many Warrant Officers
had family roots in the close knit local community, some of whom were likely to
be employed in Admiralty service. Those who attended the local Dockyard School
before entry as Artificers would have received their craft training with
dockyard personnel. This affinity lasting over several years enabled continuity
of contact to be maintained with individuals who carried out work essential to
the running of the Fleet. As a result barriers presented by "officialdom"
could be circumvented and many impossible situations could be satisfactorily
overcome through these personal connections. Hospitality in the Warrant Officers
Mess for those who rendered services was an added bonus to help this process.
One of the most important
capabilities required of all specialisations at Warrant level was that of
instructional competence. Since training of all ratings and some officers was
carried out at the Manning Depot, most Warrant Officers had continued
association with trainees extending over several years. In addition to
influencing training policies they gained knowledge of individuals whom they
would meet again many times during their subsequent careers.
The bond which existed between
all Warrant Officers was another asset. It allowed many quite intractable
problems to be settled "in the Mess" by suitable arrangements,
without the need to use more formal channels. There was rarely a department in
any large ship or establishment which had no Warrant officer within its
structure, so they were in an excellent position to ensure full benefit was
obtained from the resources of men, material and knowledge available to them.
Warrant Officers who were Heads
of Departments, such as Engineer Officer in a destroyer, had, apart from his
overall responsibility for machinery, to be able to co-operate with other
departments requiring engineering or associated services. To an experienced
professional this presented no major difficulty. Understanding of the reactions
of the average rating to particular circumstances was a man management asset
which did much to ensure smooth running of their Department. As Divisional
Officers they were therefore able to make the necessary balance between
compassion and naval practice by virtue of their experience of men and
circumstances. Many General List officers have good reason to be grateful for
the accumulated wisdom of a Warrant Officer with whom they served as a
Midshipman or Sub-Lieutenant.
During the period before 1948
when Warrant Officers lived apart from other officers in all large ships, their
associations with their fellow officers were largely professional. Although
they took part in social and sporting activities, various other factors had
great influence on their social relationship with Wardroom officers.
Service in Destroyers, Sloops and Small Ships
postwar destroyer HMS
Decoy (courtesy NavyPhotos)
Both Warrant Engineer and Gunner
(T) specialisations were appointed to these ships and also to some submarines.
Of the two, the Warrant Engineer had the advantage of a good educational
background and was used to the higher standard of social conduct found in
Artificers Messes. The Gunner (T) was less advantaged since he would, in all
likelihood, have joined the service as a Boy Seaman without the benefit of the
type of academic training given to the Artificer entrant. He would also have
spent much of his earlier career in Broadside and Chief or Petty Officers
Messes with a less refined atmosphere than was to be
found in a Wardroom. However, the wide
experience and professional ability of each made them valued members of any
small ship wardroom as long as they were able to adapt to their new social
In this connection a great deal
depended on the attitude of the Captain who would need to recognise these basic
facts and make it clear that a certain degree of "give and take" was
needed by all concerned if his ship was to be "happy" and efficient.
Regrettably this was not always the case and prejudice together with a lack of
understanding on both sides did much to delay the acceptance of the Warrant
Officer as a valuable asset in a Wardroom. There were instances of officers who
took advantage of their status and brought discredit on their fellow Warrant
Officers, but these were by no means the majority.
Warrant Officers Messes
In large ships and most shore
establishments the complement would include Warrant Officers of many
specialisations who were accommodated in their own Mess. As very few activities
did not affect them they were able to exercise considerable influence on the
quality of life on board. The Mess President, usually the Senior Seaman Officer, a
Commissioned Gunner or Boatswain, had responsibility for ensuring that all
Warrant Officers conducted themselves socially in a manner which met the
standards expected by the Captain. The disadvantages of a less extensive
education than that of Wardroom officers and the less exacting standards
previously acceptable still applied. Although adjustment was frequently without
difficulty there were instances where the President concerned lacked the very
qualities necessary to maintaining conduct which
would enhance the standing of all Warrant Officers. A great deal depended on the
make-up of each Mess with its members of very varying educational and family
backgrounds which undoubtedly affected their social attitudes.
On the credit side it should be
said that Warrant Officers took their part in all sporting and social activities
both as ships' officers and as a separate Mess, with great success. The conduct
of those who adapted quickly to life as an officer did much to ensure that the
representations being made about the status of the Warrant Officer were
favourably forwarded by their Captain. As in small ships the Captain and the
Executive Officer played a very important role in providing clear guidelines
about the standards expected. The availability of alcohol was a factor needing
careful handling, but in most circumstances did not lead to major problems any
more than it did in Wardroom Messes.
The introduction of more modem
weapons and other equipment into the RN had a significant effect on the calibre
of rating required. It was evident that there would be a need for experienced
officers to supervise work on more complex equipment, whether as operators or
in the support role. This trend began to make itself evident by 1948 and a
better quality of rating was becoming available for promotion at the time of introduction
of the Branch List. The reduction of the required minimum age on promotion to
28 also improved
the prospects of promotion
before completion of a 12 years Engagement. The standards required during
professional examinations for many categories was more stringently applied. A
higher general education was necessary to carry out duties as senior ratings
satisfactorily, which did much to ensure that candidates for promotion to
Warrant rank were better able to deal with their new status on promotion.
Change of Title
Following the many
representations made by officers holding Warrant Rank during and immediately
after the end of WW2, an Admiralty Committee was set up to investigate the
status of Warrant Officers. The principal areas of concern which had been represented
Change of title to
more accurately align with the responsibilities carried.
Coupled with this
was the desire for replacement of the "bootlace" single "half
stripe" insignia worn
Officers, which it was considered made a further unnecessary differentiation
The Committee, chaired by
Admiral Noble, took into account the submissions were made by Presidents of all
Warrant Officers Messes. It concluded that amendments should be made to the
existing regulations. Much attention was given to suggestions from the Messes
in Port Divisions since they were recognised as coming from the largest number
of more senior representatives. Whether this was a sound principle is, in
retrospect, questionable, as there was no consensus, especially relating to
Title. The proposal largely supported in many Warrant Officers Messes was that
these be changed to Sub. Lieutenant and Lieutenant, but this was not agreed by
many members of the Committee and not adopted.
The new structure was announced
with the Naval Estimates on 9 March 1948 and introduced on 1 July that year.
This went some way to improving matters although the contentious subject of
title, and the change from the "half stripe" insignia were not
resolved and they continued to fester for another 9 years.
Post-Noble Committee Report Improvements
Warrant Officers to
be known in future as "Commissioned Officers", and "Commissioned
Officers from Warrant Rank"
as "Senior Commissioned "Officers ". They were to be
collectively identified as Branch List" officers
and to be equivalent to Sub Lieutenant and Lieutenant respectively.
Minimum age on
promotion was reduced to 28.
Officers Mess was to be abolished and all officers above the rank of Midshipman
were to be accommodated in the
Wardroom in all ships and Establishments although it was recognised that space may not
always have been available and any existing Warrant Officers Mess were then to
be known as "Wardroom
II" until enlarged existing or proposed facilities could be provided both
ashore and afloat.
selection for the next promotion being made after 10 years in the rank, a "Zone"
between 5 and 9
years was introduced for "Commissioned Officers".
selected Branch List Officers were to be given direct promotion to Lieutenant
on the General List. They
would then be eligible to take up appointments for any General List Officer with the
same prospects for
The number of
specialist appointments for Senior Commissioned Officers to Lieutenant on the Branch List
was also to be
increased to allow a greater number of promotions to be made but this
particular change could not be effective immediately because wartime conditions had
made necessary the promotion of Warrant Officers to "Acting Commissioned
Officer from Warrant Rank" status. The number of
new promotions had to include officers holding Acting rank which meant that the
promotion of many younger officers was delayed. The
reduction in size of the Fleet also caused a corresponding reduction in the
number of billets available.
All other officers became
identified as General List Officers or Supplementary List Officers who had joined
for shorter naval service
Warrant Rank titles
were changed as from 1 April 1948 and officers were accommodated in Wardrooms
on 1 July. The prefix "Mr" was replaced by "Commissioned or
Senior Commissioned" followed by the specialist title (e.g. "Boatswain"
became "Commissioned Boatswain" and "Warrant Writer" became
"Commissioned Writer Officer".)
Introduction of the new Electrical Branch
The formation of the Electrical
Branch in 1946 had a very significant effect on other existing branches.
Consequential changes involved many structural upheavals in
existing categories of rating. The new Branch took over responsibility for
maintenance and repair of equipments from other existing departments.
Power Supply and
Generation from the Engine Room and Torpedo Branches.
and Radar from the W/T element of the Signals Branch.
Gunnery and Torpedo
armament from the Seaman Branch.
A major transfer of ratings and
officers into the new Electrical Branch took effect from the beginning of 1947 and
Branch List Officers received new titles appropriate to their specialisation.
Seamen Branch -
Gunners (T) who transferred to the Electrical Branch became Commissioned Electrical
Officers (L). Gunners
(T) who remained in the Torpedo Branch became Gunners (TAS). A new category of
Boatswain (PR) was introduced for the Seaman Branch radar and plot operators.
Gunnery ratings were re-categorised to suit their new duties.
Signals Branch - Warrant
Telegraphists who transferred to the Electrical Branch became Commissioned
(R). Warrant Telegraphists and Signal Boatswains who remained Branch became
Electrical Branch -
Sub-divisions were created as follows, Commissioned Electrical Officer having suffices:
(L) - Power Generation
Distribution and all electrical services.
(R) - all communications
and radar equipment
(AL) and (AR) - for
aircraft equipment as above.
Warrant Engineers were sub-divided into categories, again, Commissioned
Engineer having suffices:
(ME) - for Marine
(AE) - for Air
(OE) - for Ordnance
Engineers transferred later from Electirical Branch in 1948.
Transitional Period 1948 - 1956
A gradual increase in the
proportion of Branch List officers entering the Wardroom took place as the changes
made in 1948 had time to take effect. The new intake initially faced the same
problems of prejudice and adjustment. Although acceptance was slow in some
ships, the improvements made when the Branch List was formed were shown to be
most beneficial. Very extensive changes to the armed forces made in 1957
involved a complete review of the strength of the Fleet and the officer
structure as a whole.
Special Duties List
It was decided during 1956 as
part of an overall Review to abolish the Branch List and replace it by a
different designation to be called the "Special Duties List". As a
result meaningful recognition was given to officers promoted by virtue of their
specialist expertise. At one stage serious consideration was being given to
providing special uniform buttons marked “SD" for these officers. Such a
distinction was felt by all Branch List Officers to be quite unnecessary and a
way of maintaining the distinctions so evident before 1939. Following many
representations by individual officers that this would be against the best long
term interests of the Service the proposal was dropped.
Another innovation was the
removal of the coloured lace worn by all specialist officers on General,
Supplementary and Special Duties Lists. Only Medical, Dental and Constructor
Officers were to have this indication of their specialisation. In future there
would be no visible distinction between other officers. Although not totally
welcomed by all, experience showed that this change helped to further reduce
some of the prejudice still evident in some wardrooms.
As from 1 January 1957, "Commissioned
Officers" were accorded the title of "Sub-Lieutenant", and "Senior
became "Lieutenants". In consequence the associated stigma of the "half
stripe" was removed and Special Duties List Officers were to wear the full
single or two full stripes as worn by other officers of these ranks. The
specialist qualifications of each officer on the SD List was indicated as
part of their new
rank title. Examples:
Commissioned Boatswains became Sub-lieutenants (B).
Engineer - Senior
Commissioned Engineers (AE) became Engineer lieutenants (AE).
Supply - Commissioned
Writer Officers became Supply Sub-lieutenants (W).
New promotions to Sub-Lieutenant
received a Commission signed by the Queen but existing Branch list Officers
retained their original Admiralty Warrant as their authority to "observe
and execute 'Regulations for the Government of Naval Service'". As part of
the naval reorganisation, Schemes of Complement were altered to provide more
appointments afloat to give these officers greater opportunity to extend their
responsibilities and hence to improve their promotion prospects. By the 1970's
the SD Officer had been fully accepted in most Wardrooms for his true value as
a professional colleague and messmate who took part in all ship activities on
Final Phase of Transition 1970 to 1985
During this period very
extensive administrative changes within the RN including the amalgamation of
the Electrical and Engineering Specialisations. These have allowed alterations
to complement requirements ashore and afloat. After suitable training Special
Duties list Officers can now be employed as Head of Department instead of
General List Officers. Revised promotion policies allow promotions for
Lieutenant Commanders to Commander on the SD List so culminating the
aspirations of previous holders of Warrant Rank. With very few exceptions, no
officer from Warrant Rank, or its later equivalents, previously had any
reasonable chance of attaining this rank unless already transferred to the
General List. At last due recognition of experience and a high degree of
professional competence had been achieved.
Re-introduction of Warrant Rank
On 1 September 1970 the cycle
was completed by the introduction of a status equivalent to that of Warrant
Officers in the Army and Royal Air Force. Those who joined the RN as ratings
and wished to be advanced in status within their particular specialisation
could be promoted to a new rank, Fleet Chief Petty Officer. The "Royal
Coat of Arms" was to be used for the insignia of rank as in the other
services. In 1986 their title was changed to Warrant Officer thus completing
the cycle. They continue to be accommodated with Chief Petty Officers and carry
out specialist duties very similar to those of the original RN Warrant Officer.
The likelihood of the pattern repeating is unlikely because opportunities are
available for the new Warrant Officer to qualify for further promotion on the
SD List. Owing to a shortfall in manning requirements advancement is possible
to Temporary Sub-lieutenant (SD) and there were 13 Temporary Sub-Lieutenants
and six Temporary Lieutenants holding Commissions in the 1991 SD list.
It is interesting to note that
the current Navy List includes specialisations by rank within the Special
Duties Section, as opposed to the previous practice of listing each
specialisation separately. The new SD List officer has broader responsibilities
and carries out duties outside his basic specialisation in the same way as any
other Commissioned officer. Extensive changes in social attitudes outside the
naval service and training appropriate to modem requirements within it have
significantly altered the type of officer now serving. As a result the earlier
prejudices have largely disappeared. The Special Duties List provides an avenue
of promotion with none of the inherent disadvantages faced by the pre-1948 Warrant
Officer. The modem well-trained, experienced and dedicated specialist rating is
more socially aware and better able to take his place within the officer
structure. Having shown the necessary initiative and perseverance he may be
sure his professional competence will be recognised and can be rewarded to far
greater extent than was possible in the past.
Navy Lists 1948, 1958, 1966 and
KR&AI 1913, 1926, 1938 and
"The Royal Navy Since The
Eighteenth Century, The Navy in Transition" by Michael Lewis (H&S
"A Social History of the
Royal Navy" by Michael Lewis (Allan and Urwin)