Field-marshal

Field-marshal is now the highest rank of general officer in the British and most foreign armies. In the former it is a special honour only conferred on the ground of distinguished service or royal birth. In 1889 there were six officers, including the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge, holding this rank. A field-marshal has no higher pay than any other general, except when commanding an army; he then receives £16, 8s. 9d. a day for staff-pay, while a general has but £9, 9s. 6d. The equivalent rank in the navy is that of admiral of the fleet. The title is not used in the United States army.