Non-commissioned officer

A non-commissioned officer or NCO is a man promoted from the ranks who hold a position of authority and acts as a buffer between the officers and the rank and file. He is subject to the same discipline as the men, and may face the same punishments as them, with the additional disgrace of losing his rank, as happened to Corporal Cross Johnson after he was reported for drunkenness on duty.

In the Army and the Royal Marines the ranks are, in order of seniority:

Lance Corporal (denoted by one stripe or chevron on the sleeve). In some regiments, this rank is known as Chosen Man.

Corporal (denoted by two stripes)

Sergeant (denoted by three stripes)

Sergeant Major (there is only ever one Sergeant Major in a regiment). In 1809, this rank was denoted by four stripes, usually silver or gold, on the sleeve.

The title of Colour Sergeant in 1809 is simply a title used to denote the sergeants whose role is to defend the Colours in battle. (It was not made an actual rank until 1813, when the additional rank of Company Sergeant Major was also introduced.)

NCOs in StC include Corporal George Thompson, Chosen Man Tom Roper (who is an NPC) and Sergeant David Burr.