Field Marshal

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A Field Marshal (sometimes spelled in American English as "Marshall") is a military officer of very high rank, one step above a General or Colonel General, but below a Generalissimo. The origin of Field Marshals dates to the early Middle Ages, originally meaning the keeper of the King's horses (mare scalci) from the time of the early Frankish Kings.

Some nations use the title of Marshal instead. The Air force equivalent is Marshal of the Air Force or Air Marshal. While there is no exact corresponding naval rank, Fleet Admiral, Grand Admiral and Admiral of the Fleet are close approximations.

During China's Dynastic period, successful generals were given the title of Field Marshal (元帥 Yuan Shuai)/Grand Field Marshal (大元帥 Da Yuan Shuai). One of the most famous of these generals was Yue Fei from the Song Dynasty.

Until the end of World War II, Japan also bestowed the honorary title of Field Marshal (元帥 gensui) on successful generals and admirals; they would, however, retain their ranks of general and admiral.

Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington was a Field Marshal in twelve different armies. His twelve field marshal batons are on display in Apsley House.

[edit] Field Marshal ranks

Field Marshal (Australia)
Feldmarschall (Literally "Field Marshal") (Austria, Austrian-Hungarian Monarchy)
Generalfeldmarschall (Literally "General Field Marshal") (Germany)
Field Marshal (Egypt)
Field Marshal (Finland)
Field Marshal (France)
Field Marshal (India)
Field Marshal (Iran)
Field Marshal (Malaysia)
Field Marshal (New Zealand)
Field Marshal (Pakistan)
Field Marshal (Philippines)
Field Marshal (Poland)
Field Marshal (Russia)
Field Marshal (South Africa)
Field Marshal (Uganda)
Field Marshal (United Kingdom)
General of the Army (United States of America)

[edit] Other meanings

"Marshal" and "Marshall" are both common surnames, held by such notable figures as William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, and George C. Marshall, the United States Army Chief of Staff during World War II.
A Marshal is also the name for some US law enforcement officers, such as members of the United States Marshals Service, or Sky marshals who serve as undercover law enforcement onboard commercial aircraft.
In the Royal Air Force and other air forces which use their rank system, Air Vice-Marshal, Air Marshal and Air Chief Marshal are equivalent ranks to Major General, Lieutenant General and General respectively.
The Field Marshall is a model of agricultural tractor. The badge shows a Marshal's baton held by an arm.
Field Marshall is an introductory wargame published by Jedko Games in 1975.