Lieutenant General
In the hierarchy of the British Armed Forces, the Lieutenant General (abbreviated as Lt-Gen) is a senior general officer rank. Serving as a critical bridge between major-general and full general, this rank carries significant command responsibilities across the British Army and the Royal Marines.
As a multinational three-star rank, the Lieutenant General is recognized globally. While standard British insignia are used domestically, officers may wear three-star insignia during multinational operations to ensure clear rank recognition among allied forces.
Key Facts
- NATO Rank Code: OF-8.
- Equivalent Ranks: Vice-admiral (Royal Navy) and Air marshal (Royal Air Force).
- Hierarchy: Superior to Major-general; subordinate to General.
- Insignia: A crown positioned over a crossed sabre and baton.
- Primary Command: Typically commands an entire battlefield corps.
Rank Insignia and Evolution
The visual identification of a Lieutenant General in the Army and Royal Marines consists of a crown placed above a crossed sabre and baton. The specific crown used reflects the reigning monarch:
- Tudor Crown: Used before 1953 and reinstated following the accession of King Charles III in 2022.
- St Edward's Crown: Also known as the Queen's Crown, this was used during the reign of Elizabeth II.
Role within the British Army
In operational terms, a Lieutenant General is typically the officer in command of a battlefield corps (a large military formation). A prominent current example is the General Officer Commanding NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.
Historically, this rank was used to command I Corps and II Corps. Within the British Army's Headquarters, three specific senior appointments are held by Lieutenant Generals:
- Commander Land Forces
- Commander Standing Joint Command
- Deputy Chief of the General Staff
The Rank in the Royal Marines
The path to this rank differs slightly for the Royal Marines. Since 1996, the senior-most appointment, the Commandant General, has been held by a major general, whereas previously it was held by a lieutenant general or full general.
Despite this change, Royal Marines officers can still achieve the rank of Lieutenant General through postings in the Ministry of Defence or Joint Forces. Notable officers who have reached this rank include Lieutenant-General Sir Robert Fry, Lieutenant-General Sir James Dutton, and Lieutenant-General Sir David Capewell.
Historical Usage in the Royal Air Force (RAF)
The Royal Air Force briefly utilized the rank of Lieutenant General between April 1, 1918, and July 31, 1919. It was subsequently replaced by the rank of Air Marshal.
During this short period, the RAF insignia mirrored that of a naval vice-admiral, featuring a broad gold band on the cuff with two narrower bands above it. However, unlike the Royal Navy's version, the RAF insignia lacked the executive curl. While Sir David Henderson held this rank, the RAF Chief-of-Staff Sir Hugh Trenchard never did. Additionally, retired Royal Navy admiral John de Mestre Hutchison held an honorary RAF commission as a Lieutenant General.
Rank Comparison Summary
| Service Branch | Rank Title | NATO Code | Insignia Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Army / Royal Marines | Lieutenant General | OF-8 | Crown over crossed sabre and baton |
| Royal Navy | Vice-admiral | OF-8 | Naval cuff bands / Shoulder boards |
| Royal Air Force | Air marshal | OF-8 | RAF specific braid |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NATO rank code for a Lieutenant General?
The NATO rank code for a Lieutenant General is OF-8.
Who is the immediate superior to a Lieutenant General?
The immediate superior rank is a full General.
How does the insignia change with the monarch?
The crown used in the insignia changes; the Tudor Crown was used before 1953 and again after 2022, while the St Edward's Crown was used during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
Can Royal Marines officers still become Lieutenant Generals?
Yes. While the Commandant General is now a major general, Royal Marines officers can reach the rank of Lieutenant General through Joint Forces or Ministry of Defence appointments.
Did the Royal Air Force always use the rank of Air Marshal?
No. From April 1918 to July 1919, the RAF used the rank of Lieutenant General before it was superseded by Air Marshal.