Featured Topic: British Field Marshals

British Army Education
Written By RORY LEWIS

Spotlight: Capturing Britain’s Field Marshals

H.R.H Prince Edward, Duke of Kent Rory Lewis Photographer Heroes in Focus

The Heroes in Focus Archive, captured by acclaimed portrait photographer Rory Lewis, features two exceptional and historically significant portrait sittings of British Field Marshals—the most senior rank in the British Army, held by only 138 individuals since its creation in 1736 by King George II.

These portraits represent more than military grandeur—they are carefully constructed visual documents that preserve tradition, honor leadership, and spark public understanding of Britain's military heritage.

What Is a Field Marshal?

A Field Marshal is the highest possible rank in the British Army—above General and often regarded as a five-star equivalent in today’s global military structures. Traditionally bestowed in times of national conflict or as a rare ceremonial honor, it signifies ultimate authority in strategic command.

Today, the rank is largely honorary, conferred upon senior military leaders or members of the Royal Family as a mark of distinguished service and symbolic continuity with Britain’s military past.

British Field Marshal’s Baton Rory Lewis Photographer Heroes in Focus


Why the Baton?

One of the most recognizable elements of the Field Marshal’s identity is the Field Marshal’s Baton—a short, richly adorned staff that symbolizes supreme command and imperial tradition. The use of the baton dates back to ancient Rome, where commanders were granted a staff to signify authority granted by the emperor.

The British Field Marshal’s Baton carries this tradition forward. Covered in red velvet and topped with a golden figure of Saint George slaying the dragon, it bears a personal inscription from the reigning monarch. It is not a weapon or ornament—it is a symbol of honor, legacy, and sovereign trust.

Two Iconic Portraits

In 2017, Rory Lewis captured Field Marshal The Lord Guthrie, former Chief of the Defence Staff, whose military career spanned the Welsh Guards, SAS, and advisory leadership during the Bosnian and Kosovo conflicts. Inspired by the classical works of Sir Thomas Lawrence and John Singer Sargent, Rory created a powerful, neoclassical portrait using dramatic lighting and a red velvet backdrop to evoke the fire, blood, and strength associated with military service.

More recently, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, who has held the rank of Field Marshal since 1993, sat for a portrait at St James’s Palace in London. Wearing full No.2 Service Dress, His Royal Highness was captured in a series of composed, solemn expressions that reflect both his military status and decades of service to the Crown.

These portraits are not simply images—they are visual tributes to duty, leadership, and legacy, ensuring that the stories of Britain’s highest-ranking military figures endure.

🔗 Explore the Archive | Support the Mission

📸 Captured by Rory Lewis, Founder, Heroes in Focus Foundation

RORY LEWIS

Winner of the Portrait of Britain in 2017 and 2018. Lewis is a dedicated portrait photographer who has spent over a decade capturing many of the world’s most recognised faces. Sitters have included the likes of William Shatner, David Cameron, Sir Derek Jacobi, Iain Glen and Natalie Dormer. Rory’s images have been exhibited on both sides of the Atlantic, and several of his iconic portraits have been acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in London. His recent project, ‘Soldiery’, which documented the British Army of the 21st Century, was completed over a two year period and has been hailed as a national success story, named by the BBC as ‘The changing face of the British Army’. Rory divides his time between London and Los Angeles, working with a wide variety of clients. In addition to his projects and private portraits, his photography has been commissioned by Pepsi, Universal, the British Army, The Times, The Guardian and Cancer Research UK, among others. Rory draws immense inspiration from the masters of art including Hans Holbein the Younger, Titian, Caravaggio and Jusepe de Ribera.

http://www.rorylewis.studio