Purchase of Commissions in the British Army
The purchase of commissions in the British Army was a long-standing practice, deeply entrenched in the military system of the United Kingdom for centuries. It was a system that allowed individuals to buy their way into officer ranks, effectively turning military service into a commodity that could be acquired through wealth rather than solely through merit or military education. This practice, while undeniably contributing to the perpetuation of a certain social order, also became a significant point of contention, sparking debates about fairness, efficiency, and the very nature of military leadership.
History
The origins of the purchase system can be traced back to the early modern period, evolving from the historical practice of feudalism and the raising of troops by private individuals. In essence, the Crown would grant commissions to noblemen or wealthy individuals, who would then be responsible for raising, equipping, and leading their own regiments. In return for this service and the associated costs, they were granted a commission, which essentially represented ownership of that unit and the right to its pay. This arrangement, while seemingly archaic, provided a mechanism for the state to maintain a military force without bearing the full financial burden directly.
As the British Army evolved into a more professionalized institution, the nature of commission purchase shifted. It moved from a system of raising entire regiments to the purchase of individual commissions within existing units. By the 18th century and particularly into the 19th century, the purchase system became the standard method for junior officers to enter the infantry and cavalry. A young man aspiring to be an officer would typically need to acquire a commission as an ensign or cornet (the lowest ranks in the infantry and cavalry, respectively). These commissions could be purchased directly from the War Office or, more commonly, from officers who were retiring or seeking promotion and were willing to sell their current commission.
The price of these commissions varied significantly based on the rank, regiment, and branch of service. A commission as an ensign in a fashionable infantry regiment might cost several hundred pounds sterling, while a more senior rank or a position in a prestigious cavalry regiment could run into thousands. This financial barrier meant that the officer corps was largely drawn from the landed gentry and the upper classes, reinforcing the hierarchical structure of British society. While a certain level of competence and character was expected, the primary qualification for entry was often financial means.
The system was not without its proponents. Supporters argued that it ensured a degree of social cohesion within the officer corps, bringing together men from similar backgrounds who understood each other's social codes and expectations. It was also argued that it provided a more flexible and less bureaucratic method of staffing the officer ranks, allowing for quicker entry and promotion than a purely merit-based system might allow. Furthermore, the money paid for commissions often went to retiring officers, providing them with a pension and encouraging them to leave their positions, thus facilitating the advancement of younger men.
However, the inherent inequalities of the system became increasingly apparent and drew considerable criticism, particularly as the nature of warfare evolved and the importance of professional training and technical expertise grew.
Abolition
The debate over the purchase of commissions intensified throughout the Victorian era. Critics argued that it was an archaic and unjust system that promoted mediocrity and excluded talented individuals who lacked the necessary financial resources. The Crimean War of the 1850s highlighted some of the perceived deficiencies in the British military, including the potential for less competent officers to hold positions of command simply due to their ability to purchase them. This led to increased calls for reform.
The turning point came with the Cardwell Reforms of the 1870s, spearheaded by Edward Cardwell, the Secretary of State for War. Cardwell recognized that a modern army required a professional officer corps selected on merit, not wealth. The Regulation of the Forces Act 1871 was the pivotal legislation that ultimately abolished the purchase system. This act stipulated that all commissions would henceforth be granted based on competitive examination.
The abolition was not without its complexities. A significant financial compensation package was provided to officers who had already purchased their commissions, amounting to approximately £7 million, a considerable sum at the time. This was seen as a necessary measure to appease those who had invested heavily in their military careers under the old system and to ensure a smoother transition.
The abolition of the purchase system marked a fundamental shift in the ethos of the British Army. It paved the way for a more meritocratic system, where advancement was theoretically based on ability, performance, and military education rather than social standing or financial clout. While social influence and background continued to play a role in the British establishment for many years, the direct financial barrier to entry into the officer corps was removed. This reform was a crucial step in modernizing the British military and aligning it with the demands of the era.