Commander-in-chief is the highest staff appointment in the British army. After the death of the Duke of Wellington in 1852, this title, which had been borne by him for many years, was allowed to lapse, and the administration of the army was placed under a general on the staff who was styled the general (or field-marshal, if of that rank) com- manding in chief. In 1887 the title of commander-in-chief was revived; and in 1895 (on the resignation of the Duke of Cambridge) effect was given to the recommendations of the Hartington Commission, by a more perfect organisation of our national defences under one supreme authority—though nominally since 1855 the commander-in-chief has been strictly subordinate to the Secretary of State for War. His office, technically called the Horse Guards, is the military department of the War Office (q.v.). At its head is the adjutant-general, and its several branches are presided over by the quartermaster-general, the military secretary, the inspector-general of fortifications, the directors of artillery, of military intelligence, of the army medical department, and of military education, the chaplain-general, and the principal veterinary surgeon. All promotions and military appointments are recommended by the commander-in-chief, those of great importance being supervised by the war minister, and, if necessary, discussed by the cabinet. He is responsible for recruiting operations, the technical education of officers and men, and everything connected with the efficiency, distribution, and mobilisation of the troops, together with the construction and armament of fortifications. He exercises an inspectional control over the men who are under the immediate command of the general officers commanding the various districts. See WOLSELEY, ROBERTS.
There is also a local commander-in-chief in India, under whom all the forces there are placed, and in many of the colonies the governor bears this title. It would also be given to the officer in command of any large army engaged in active operations. The powers of these officers extend only to those troops that may be placed under them by orders from the commander-in-chief at the Horse Guards.
A naval commander-in-chief is the chief admiral at any port or station. In the United States the president is ex officio the commander-in-chief of the army and navy.