Ensign - 1888 to 1933

The rank of Ensign, introduced in early 188, was first given to young sta officers engaged in Junior soldiers' war. From 1894 to May 1933, it was held by all officers between the ranks of Captain and Adjutant.

After serving as Captain for five years, an officer was promoted to the rank of Ensign.

“The only exception to the requirements of five years’ service as Captain shall be in the case of an Officer who having served as Probationary Lieutenant and Lieutenant, has been, on promotion to Captain, uniformly successful in command of a Corps ( or corresponding responsibility), and who is considered by his (/her) T.C. (or similar responsible leader) to possess special qualifications. Such an Officer may be promoted after a total of six year’s active service.” ¹

The trim of an Ensign is very plain in appearance. The epaulet consists of a black braid encircling a plain red background. The high collar is a red patch with a white “s”. The sleeve trimming is a row of red cloth piping between two black braids encircling the sleeve.

The length of service as an Ensign, “Ensign to Adjutant at least five years’ service as Adjutant.” ²