Master-General of the Ordnance facts for kids

The Master-General of the Ordnance (often called MGO) was a very important military job in Britain for a long time, from 1415 until 2013. This person was usually a high-ranking general. The MGO was in charge of many crucial things for the British military. This included all the artillery (big guns), engineers (who build things like bridges and forts), military supplies, transport, and even field hospitals.

The MGO was not under the command of the main commander-in-chief of the British military. This shows how powerful and important the role was. The job changed its name a few times over the centuries. In March 2013, the person holding the role was called "Director Land Capability and Transformation." However, they still sat on the Army Board as the Master-General of the Ordnance. In September 2013, this historic position was finally ended.

The Start of the Ordnance Office

The story of the Master-General of the Ordnance began in the early 1400s. Back then, there was an "Office of Armoury" that looked after weapons. This office separated from a larger department called the "Privy Wardrobe of the Tower" in London.

The first Master of the Ordnance was Nicholas Merbury. He was appointed by King Henry V in 1415. This was a very early step in organizing military supplies. Later, in 1544, King Henry VIII created the "Office of Ordnance." This office grew even bigger and became the Board of Ordnance in 1597.

What the Master-General Did

The Master-General of the Ordnance was the boss of the Board of Ordnance. They had other important officers working under them, like the Lieutenant-General and the Surveyor-General of the Ordnance.

Before Britain had a permanent army or navy, the Ordnance Office was the only military department that existed all the time. This meant it was incredibly important for keeping the country safe. In 1764, the office even set up official standards for artillery weights and measurements. This was one of the first times such standards were created anywhere in the world.

Changes Over Time

The position of Master-General was often a very high-level political job, especially in the late 1700s and early 1800s. This meant the person in charge was often chosen for political reasons.

In 1855, the job was stopped for a while. Some of its special duties were given to the Commander-in-Chief of the Forces. But the role was brought back in 1904. From then until 1938, the Master-General of the Ordnance was the Fourth Military Member of the Army Board.

In 1913, something new happened. The control of military aviation (things like early airplanes) was taken away from the Master-General. A new department was created just for military aircraft.

The job was stopped again between 1939 and 1958. It was brought back in 1959. The last person to hold the role was Major General Nick Pope, from 2011 to 2013. The role was officially ended in September 2013.

Important People Who Held the Role

Many important figures held the title of Master of the Ordnance or Master-General of the Ordnance over the centuries. These leaders helped shape Britain's military strength and organization.

Early Masters of the Ordnance (1415–1544)

The first Master of the Ordnance was Nicholas Merbury in 1415. Other notable early masters included Richard Guildford and Sir William Skeffington.

Masters-General of the Ordnance (1544–1855)

After the office became the Board of Ordnance, many famous people held the top job. These included Sir Thomas Seymour, Ambrose Dudley, 3rd Earl of Warwick, and even the famous general John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, who held the role twice. Later, the great military leader Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington also served as Master-General.

Later Masters-General of the Ordnance (1904–1938)

When the role was brought back in 1904, it was held by generals like Sir James Wolfe Murray and Sir Hugh Elles.

Final Masters-General of the Ordnance (1960–2013)

In its final period, the role was held by generals such as Sir John Cowley, Sir Richard Vincent, and Major General Nick Pope, who was the last person to hold the title.