Protocol question: Commander in the field

[tony_gunter]

This isn't really a tactics question but a protocol question. If the commander of a force in the field leaves the field temporarily, does command of the force automatically pass to the next senior commander in the field until the commander returns? If so, how official was the protocol, and was there any standard that defined how temporary an absence would invoke this?

For example, when McClellan left aboard the Galena to review the ground for his army on the James River, Fitz John Porter served as acting commander despite not having official orders placing him in command. Was this by the book, or an act of initiative on Porter's part?

 

[Seduzal]

A very interesting question! But sorry I have no clue..but just wait for a little while and someone will be along to help you..

 

[Nathan Stuart]

A good question.

My best guess is that the protocol would normally be that temporary command in the field passes to the next highest ranking (and most senior) commander in the same unit.

That is:

Army command passes to the most senior Corps commander (in the Army)

Corps command passes to the most senior Divisional commander (in the same Corps)

Divisional command passes to the most senior Brigade commander (in the same Division)

Brigade command passes to the most senior Regimental commander (in the same Brigade)

 

[tony_gunter]

A good question.

My best guess is that the protocol would normally be that temporary command in the field passes to the next highest ranking (and most senior) commander in the same unit.

That is:

Army command passes to the most senior Corps commander (in the Army)

Corps command passes to the most senior Divisional commander (in the same Corps)

Divisional command passes to the most senior Brigade commander (in the same Division)

Brigade command passes to the most senior Regimental commander (in the same Brigade)

But was that a "play it by ear" type of thing, or was there a defined process?

I suppose not, given how frequently the death of a key commander caused interruptions in activity.

 

[Josh The Lighthouse Guy]

But was that a "play it by ear" type of thing, or was there a defined process?

I suppose not, given how frequently the death of a key commander caused interruptions in activity.

I think the problem was not a clear line of succession, but rather the communication difficulties in alerting all the relevant commanders their responsibilities had changed mid-battle.

 

[neyankee61]

A good example of confusion following a commander's death happened at Chancellorsville. General Edward Berry was killed on the morning of May 3 at Chancellorsville. Berry commanded the 2nd Division III Corps. Following his death Brig Gen Joseph Revere 2nd Brigade commander believed he was the senior officer. He then took his Brigade and parts of others out of the line and withdrew them to the rear. In reality the senior officer was Brig Gen Joseph Carr. Revere would later be court-martialed and dismissed from the service.

 

[Nathan Stuart]

A Digest of the Military Laws of the Confederacy is found at the below link:

Confederate States of America. A Digest of the Military and Naval Laws of the Confederate States, From the Commencement of the Provisional Congress to the End of the First Congress Under the Permanent Constitution.

On page 14, clause 8 states all General Officers of the Army shall be appointed by the President (with the advice and consent of Congress).

On the same page, clause 10 says that promotions up to and including the rank of Colonel, shall be filled by promotion according to seniority, except in case of disability or other incompetency.

Did not see any coverage of any strict formal military laws/rules to follow for filling a command temporarily while on the field in battlefield conditions. In such emergency pressurized circumstances (where time is limited), I maintain the convention followed would likely have been to fill the temporary position with the next highest ranking and most senior officer from the same unit.

 

[67th Tigers]

This isn't really a tactics question but a protocol question. If the commander of a force in the field leaves the field temporarily, does command of the force automatically pass to the next senior commander in the field until the commander returns? If so, how official was the protocol, and was there any standard that defined how temporary an absence would invoke this?

For example, when McClellan left aboard the Galena to review the ground for his army on the James River, Fitz John Porter served as acting commander despite not having official orders placing him in command. Was this by the book, or an act of initiative on Porter's part?

McClellan was in contact with his corps commanders from the Galena.

However, when he went off on a recce on the morning of the 1st July, he issued a written order placing Sumner in command whilst he was out of contact.