Private (rank)

A private, also abbreviated to Pte., is the lowest military rank in the British Army, Royal Marines and other armed forces around the world. Privates wear no insignia. Many regiments and corps use other distinctive and descriptive names instead of private, some of these ranks have been used for centuries, others are less than 100 years old. In the contemporary British Armed Forces, the army rank of private is broadly equivalent to Seaman in the Royal Navy, Aircraftman in the Royal Air Force, and Marine or Bandsman, as appropriate equivalent rank in the Royal Marines. Also in the Boys Brigade the rank of private is used when a boy moves from the junior section to the company section.[1] The next promotional rank in the British Army is Lance Corporal followed by Corporal.

As stated on the British Army website, "On completion of Phase 1 Training, all new soldiers start as Privates although the title may be Trooper, Gunner, Signaller, Sapper, Guardsman, Rifleman or even Kingsman depending on Corps/Regiment." [2]

References / notes

  1. Private. Wikipedia: The free encyclopedia. Accessed 19 April, 2017.
  2. Ranks The British Army website. Accessed 19 April, 2017.

Glossary of words and phrases

The above term is listed in our glossary of words and phrases of the Armed Forces of Great Britain during the Great War. Included are trench slang, service terms, expressions in everyday use, nicknames, the titles and origins of British and Commonwealth Regiments, and warfare in general. These words and phrases are contemporary to the war, which is reflected in the language used. They have been transcribed from three primary sources (see Contents). Feel free to expand upon and improve this content.
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