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I read historical novels that mention buying and selling commissions as an officer in the British Army.?

Does anyone know what the cost of a commission was? Where did the money go? How much more did it cost to be a major than a captain? Were only the aristocracy allowed to be officers? Were there any other qualifications? Could an officer sell his commission any time he wanted to? Who did he sell to?

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  • 1 decade ago
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    When I visited the Tower of London a few years ago I saw a chart describing the cost of buying all the way up to the rank of general. I think you could do a google search and find something on the exact costs.

    Back in the day, a man's social status (wealth) was the accepted yard stick for measuring leadership ability. Gods and Clods.

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