Commander

Commander, in the British navy, is an officer next under a captain in rank, and serves either as second in command in a large ship, or in independent command of a smaller vessel. In matters of etiquette, he ranks with a lieutenant-colonel in the army, but junior of that rank; and he bears the title of captain by courtesy. There were, in 1888, 160 commanders employed, with pay of £1 per day; while there were 69 on half-pay, but eligible for re-employment, and 347 on retired pay; but the whole list of those employed, or eligible for employment, is to be raised to 270. Retirement is optional at the age of forty-five; and compulsory at fifty, or after five years without employment. In the United States navy, commanders have a rank next below that of captain, and next above that of a lieutenant-commander, and rank with lieutenant-colonels in the army.