Brigadier-Generals

[Jock Bruce]

Post-WW1 I believe, but can anybody plese tell me when Brigadier-Generals became Brigadiers?

Jock

[armourersergeant]

Early twenties i think it was.

Arm

[charlesmessenger]

Jock

Yes, it was shortly after the end of the war and on the grounds that there were too many generals. Initially they were retitled Colonels Commandant, but this was not popular and so they reveverted to mere Brigadier.

Charles M

[Muerrisch]

The authority, Major Dawnay, writes that the change was in 1921 [AO 539 of 1920] and there were TWO successors ranks: 'Colonel Commandant' and 'Colonel on the Staff'. What this did to a mere Colonel [who was, de facto, 'on the staff'] I shudder to think. Brigadier came back in 1928, without the 'General'. However, in many armies today they are still Brigadier Generals and even a British Brigadier is a 'one star general' in NATO parlance.

[Jock Bruce]

However, in many armies today they are still Brigadier Generals and even a British Brigadier is a 'one star general' in NATO parlance.

And indeed are often addressed as 'General' by enthusiastic and respectful US officers - oddly, I've never a Brigadier correct one of these young gentlemen.

Thanks to all who replied.

Jock