Good morning experts! Just a quick semantic question. In the following sentence, what is the meaning of “all ranks”? In view of the number involved (!), am I correct in thinking it refers to all ranks below officers, the same as “rank and file”, the “men”, “soldiers” etc.? In 1939 the field force of the Territorial Army was to rise from 130,000 to 340,000, organised in 26 divisions, while an additional 100,000 all ranks would form the anti-aircraft section. Many thanks Susan
All ranks encompasses officers and men, so everyone. Other ranks is all men, so less officers. Rank and file excludes WO and Sergeant ranks, so Corporals and Privates. Gary
Thank you Gary and Ron. Now, after semantics let's turn to grammar! In your opinion, should we write "an" RFA brigade, or "a" RFA brigade? Many thanks Susan