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[j.sabourn]

As the Naval rank of Rear Admiral may have been misinterpreted by certain members of the non going sea type, and by some wishful members of Castle Boats. The following description from the annals of past years may be of some use, especially in the future when visiting warships of the European Navy pay courtesy visits to Naval Establishments in the UK, so as the natives know how to address their counterparts.

Rear Admiral is a Naval Commissioned officer rank above a Commodore and Captain, and below that of Vice Admiral. It is generally regarded as the lowest of the Admiral ranks, which are also sometimes referred to as Flag officers or flag ranks. In many navies it is referred to as a two star rank. It originated from the days of naval sailing squadrons and can trace its origins to the Royal Navy. Each naval squadron would be assigned an Admiral as its head, who would command the centre vessel and direct the activities of the squadron. The Admiral in turn would be assisted by a Vice Admiral who commanded the lead ships which would bear the brunt of the battle. In the rear of the fleet, a third Admiral would command the remaining ships, and be in the least danger, the Admiral in command would be typically be the most junior of the squadron Admirals. This has survived into the modern age, with the rank of rear admiral the most junior of admiralty ranks of most navies. In some European navies ( for example France) and in the Canadian forces French rank translations, the rank of rear admiral is known as contre-amiral. In the German Navy, the rank is known as konteradmiral, superior to the flotilla admiral ( commodore in other navies) in the Royal Netherlands Navy , this rank is known as schout-bij-nacht ( supervisor during night) denoting the junior role to the squadron admiral and fleet admiral.

I hope this makes it clear to all British citizens as on the advent of a united Europe, don't expect to see the British White Ensign but in its place the Naval Flag of Europe, but keep a close eye on same for any small swazticas in the corner. The White Ensign maybe in view at the Greenwich maritime museum together with the red one in years to come. Cheers JS

[John Pruden]

john we also have more admirals than ships of the line now just how many do we need??? jp

[j.sabourn]

#2... Maybe they have a high death rate John. probably too much Navy Neaters. Cheers JS

[happy daze john in oz]

As you say with the demise of UCL there is now little usefor them.