Captain
Captain has been a
military rank in the Canadian Army throughout the 20th Century.
History
The rank of Captain dates back to the Middle Ages, when individual
noblemen would purchase the right to raise and lead a company of
soldiers. The rank title captain (and the term "company") would
remain in use throughout the 20th Century.
Insignia
From November 1902 until Unification the rank of Captain was
designated by three rank stars. After Unification it was identified
by two thick rows of rank braid.
|
Pre-Unification |
Post-Unification |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Battle
Dress |
Service
Dress |
Combat
Clothing
Slip-On |
Garrison
Dress
Jacket |
Responsibilities
The rank of captain was considered appropriate for command of a
sub-unit such as an Infantry Company, Cavalry Squadron, Armoured
Squadron etc. up until Unification. After 1968, the rank of Captain
was downgraded along with the rank of Major, and Captains became
commanders of lower level subunits such as platoons while Majors
became squadron/battery/company commanders in many cases.
Typical appointments for captains have included:
-
Battery Captain
-
Battle Captain
-
Adjutant
-
Battle Adjutant
As well, the platoon
commander of the Carrier Platoon in Second World War infantry
battalions was usually a captain, the only platoon commander to be
so ranked.
Captain is a very commonly held rank among both Staff Officers and
field officers.
Forms
of Address
Captains
were addressed by rank and name; thereafter by subordinates as "Sir"
or "Ma'am".
