Note. In naval circles it is custom to refer to the commander of a vessel as Captain. The Navy List bears the phrase "in command". Strictly out of practical considerations CO (Commanding Officer) is used here on this site. Abbreviations and explanations can be found at the help page....
Colonel is a military rank of a commissioned officer, with the corresponding ranks existing in nearly every country in the world. The rank of Colonel is one of the oldest in existence, dating as far back to the time of the Roman Empire. In the modern age, a Colonel is usually a militar...
Only the substantive acting ranks are indicated by an exact date; temporary ranks either by a period or a guessed date/year (indicated with a question mark). Retired officers are indicated with (retd). Did an officer retire after being promoted to a certain rank, than (retd) is placed ...