Definition of "all ranks"

Discussion in 'Service Records' started by susancammas, Oct 4, 2017.

  1. susancammas

    susancammas Member

    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
     
  2. Gary Kennedy

    Gary Kennedy Member

    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
     
  3. Ron Goldstein

    Ron Goldstein WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Gary

    Beautifully defined !

    Ron
     
  4. susancammas

    susancammas Member

    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
     
  5. Ron Goldstein

    Ron Goldstein WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    It has to be AN

    Ron
     
  6. susancammas

    susancammas Member

    Thanks Ron.
     

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