The British Army has too many officers and not enough rank-and-file soldiers, new figures have revealed. By James Kirkup, Political Correspondent 28 August 2008 • 1:07pm Soldiers from the Royal ...

The English Press and military authorities, have spoken, during the progress of this war, with undisguised contempt, or with severe rebuke, of the ability of our officers, both volunteer and regular.

While the role of pilot in the British Army had earlier been restricted to warrant officers and commissioned officers, the service has now allowed all ranks from private to apply.

The first black British Army officer should be awarded a posthumous Military Cross, ... was promoted three times as a rank and file soldier before he was commissioned an officer in May 1917.

Nearly half of the British Army's latest intake of officer cadets were privately educated, ... 35% of its officer cadets entering Cranwell College in March had previously served in the ranks.