Did a surgeon have a rank?

[brecor]

Hi,
I'm trying to find information on a Richard O'Reilly who was said to be a surgeon with the Wicklow militia in Ireland in the 1790s. I have found a reference to a Richard O'Reilly who was listed as being a lieutenant with the Wicklow militia at that time. Is there any sense in thinking that it may be the same person? I am new to research using military resources, so would welcome any suggestions on finding more information about him. His brother was an ensign with the 11th Regiment and is known to have spent time in Gibraltar. He possibly died around 1785 (am not sure about this) and can't find any further information on him either...
Thanks

[km1971]

I can find no references to the Surgeon and Assistant Surgeon having an equivalent officer rank. Indeed a history of a regiment states that in the 1810s a memorial to officers dying of disease in the West Indies excluded the Surgeon as he was 'not a regimental officer'. Fifty years later they had a prescribed uniform.

There are two musters for the Wicklow Militia in Kew. One covers 1793 to 1799 and one covers 1800 only. In my experience the former type will have one large page per company. The Surgeon may be listed on the Colonel's page, but cannot be guaranteed. Even the 1880 muster may exclude officers apart from the 'Captains of a Company'. You will need a readers ticket to look at them.

Ken

[John915]

Good evening,

At that time they had regimental medical services. Dr's were civilians attached to the army with the nominal rank of captain and their assistants, usually 2, were lieutenants. However they had no right of command over anyone and could not give orders.

They sometimes wore uniforms of the regt they were with but not all of them.

John915

[brecor]

Thank you both very much for your replies. That's exactly what I was looking for!