Can anyone help?

Am currently a Chief Petty Officer and have been tasked to give a brief on the history of my rank.  Have searched everywhere but cant find the origin of CPO rank or any history about it. I know there were CPO'S in WW1 but want to know more.

if you can help please email me or post here.

cheers shipmates

yours aye

vinny

The rate of Chief Petty Officer was introduced with the Continuous Service Scheme of 1853.

Prior to this, ratings were 'hired & fired' as the navy required - basically you signed on with a particular ship for a commission; rates existing before 1853 were essentially Landsman (no experience at all); Ordinary Seaman (some experience) Able Seaman (exeperienced) and Petty Officer (experienced seaman in charge of others).

From 1st July 1853 a new scheme was introduced for Continuous Service - i.e. you could 'sign on' and stay with the navy, being drafted to whichever ship the Navy chose to send you (not dissimilar to today).  With this it was recognised that there should be a structure to allow a man to advance in his career, so two new rates were invented - the Leading Seaman and Chief Petty Officer.

For a very good history of the development of ratings structure, see:

http://www.pbenyon.plus.com/Branches/Ratings.html