Field marshal (Australia)

Field marshal
The FM insignia of St. Edward's Crown mounted above two crossed batons that are circled by a wreath of oak leaves.
Australia's first appointed field marshal (honorary), the then Lieutenant General Sir William Birdwood, photographed near Hill 60, Gallipoli. Photograph by C.E.W. Bean, October 1915.
Country Australia
Service branch Australian Army
AbbreviationFM
RankField Marshal
NATO rank codeOF-10
Non-NATO rankO-11
Formation1925
Next lower rankGeneral
Equivalent ranks

Field marshal is the highest rank of the Australian Army and was created as a direct equivalent of the British military rank of field marshal. It is a five-star rank, equivalent to the ranks in the other armed services of Admiral of the Fleet in the Royal Australian Navy, and Marshal of the Royal Australian Air Force. The subordinate army rank is general.

Two of the four field marshals were honorary appointments to individuals of the monarchy and one an honorary appointment to a British Army officer. The only Australian appointed was Sir Thomas Blamey, who was on the retired list when he was proposed for the rank. Blamey was recalled to active duty and promoted.


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