Lieutenant-General of the Ordnance facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Office of the Lieutenant-General of the Ordnance |
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Board of Ordnance Arms preserved on a gun tampion in Gibraltar
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| Member of | Board of Ordnance (1545-1855) |
| Reports to | Master-General of the Ordnance |
| Appointer | Prime Minister
Subject to formal approval by the Queen-in-Council
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| Term length | Not fixed (typically 3–9 years) |
| Inaugural holder | Sir Francis Fleming |
| Formation | 1545–1855 |
The Lieutenant-General of the Ordnance was an important job in the old British government. This person was a key member of the Board of Ordnance, which was like a special department that handled all the military supplies for the British Army and Navy. Think of it as the main person in charge of making sure soldiers had their weapons, cannons, and other equipment.
This role was created way back in 1545. The person holding the job was chosen by the King or Queen. The position lasted for a long time, but it was finally removed in 1855. This happened when the Board of Ordnance became part of the War Office, which was another big government department for military matters.
Who Was the Lieutenant-General?
The Lieutenant-General of the Ordnance was the second-in-command of the Board of Ordnance. They worked directly under the Master-General of the Ordnance, who was the top boss. Their main job was to help manage all the supplies and equipment needed for the military. This included everything from gunpowder and cannons to uniforms and tents.
Imagine trying to run an army without enough supplies! The Board of Ordnance, and especially the Lieutenant-General, made sure that soldiers had what they needed to do their job. This was super important for defending the country and for any battles or wars.
A Look at Past Lieutenants-General
Many different people held the job of Lieutenant-General of the Ordnance over the centuries. They came from various backgrounds, often with military experience. Here are some of the people who held this important position:
- Sir Francis Fleming (1545–1558) - The very first person to hold this job.
- Sir William Pelham (1567–1587)
- George Carew, 1st Baron Carew (1592–1608)
- William Legge (1660–1670)
- George Legge (1679–1682)
- Thomas Erle (1705–1712 and again 1714–1718)
- George Wade (1742–1748)
- Sir John Ligonier (1748–1757)
- William Howe, 5th Viscount Howe (1782–1804)
- Sir Hew Dalrymple Ross (1854–1855) - The last person to hold the role before it was abolished.
These individuals played a big part in making sure the British military was well-equipped and ready for action throughout history.
