Chronology of Pearkes' Promotions

(First Appointed Acting or Temporary Rank)

Hierarchy of Army Rankings

     This is the hierarchy of army rankings in the Great War, from bottom to top.  It is interesting to note that often, especially in the Great War, officers held acting rank and their substantive or permanent rank might be two or three ranks lower, to which they might revert in peace-time.

1. Private [In Major-General Pearkes' case, trooper since the C.M.R. were mounted. Similarly, privates in the artillery were called gunners; in the engineers, sappers, in the rifle regiments, riflemen, etc.]
   
2. Lance Corporal [in the artillery, lance bombardier.  Technically an appointment, not a rank]
   
3. Corporal [in the artillery, bombardier]
   
4. Sergeant
   
5. Staff Sergeant
   
6. Sergeant-Major [Warrant Officer Class II]
   
7. Regimental Sergeant-Major [Warrant Officer Class I]
   
8. Second Lieutenant
   
9. Lieutenant
   
10. Captain
    
11. Major
    
12. Lieutenant Colonel
    
13. Colonel
    
14. Brigadier-General
    
15. Major-General
    
16. Lieutenant-General
    
17. General
    
18. Field Marshal