Dressed to Kill!

Before 1740, the British Royal Navy had no established uniforms for its officers and sailors. Those in command typically wore the clothing of the upper class with wig and sword, denoting their station in life. There were only three shipboard ranks: Captain, Lieutenant and Master. Actually, in the Middle Ages, the Master ran the ship, and the Captain and Lieutenant were brought on board to oversee the military who were placed there during war or for military action.

Over time, though, more ranks emerged, and the captain took command of all. Under him, then came the Midshipman, rank established in 1758, who was an officer "candidate". Eventually, if they did their duty, and distinguished themselves, they got a ship of their own and commensary pay.  The Master became a warrant officer, commissioned by the Crown.

Uniform regulations for naval officers formally were established in 1748 by Lord Anson, with two categories of dress: "Best Uniform" with embroidered blue coat with white facings worn unbuttoned with white breeches and stockings, and then the "working rig" which was more simple with less embroidery.
By 1797, the epaulette was introduced, further denoting rank.

Standing officers were those who were permanently assigned to a ship who maintained, repaired and kept up the vessel. They had access to the quarterdeck, and wore uniforms, but were not part of the shipboard elite.

The rest of the ship's company was comprised of petty officers and seamen. Petty officers had a specific trade, and the general seaman was the sailor who was sometimes pressed into service. Seamen kept the watch. The final lowly rank was that of cabin boy, around 8-12 years of age, performing duties such as servant to an officer, mess attendant, or even (poor thing) powder monkey. Not only a dirty job, but dangerous as well.

In 2006, I visited the Greenwich Royal Museums just down The Thames outside of London proper. It's a great place with exhibits including the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Naval College, the Greenwich Observatory. In the Maritime Museum, there was a wonderful exhibit entitled "Dressed To Kill" which featured many of the Royal Navy uniforms from the 18th Century, with all their decorative splendor. There were many little dressing room doors, which you opened, and saw a mannequin displayed within, donning the uniform of a particular rank. I have looked high and low for the exhibit catalogue (I did not get it then), and now it is nearly impossible to acquire, unless you are willing to spend, no kidding, about $1,200 for it today (new) or a meazly $300 (used)! I should have bought it then!

Anyway, I was lucky to see Lord Nelson's "best uniform" and was surprised to see that physically he was a smaller man, though extremely tall in stature. He is England's greatest military hero!