Commander and Lieutenant Commander

These ranks should not be abbreviated.

How to Address a Commander or Lieutenant Commander

The recommended social style of address is as follows:

Beginning of letter Dear Commander/Lieutenant Commander Jones
End of letter Yours sincerely
Envelope Commander John Smith, CBE, RN; Lieutenant Commander James Jones, RN
Verbal communication Commander Smith*/Lieutenant Commander Smith
Invitation Commander John Smith/Lieutenant Commander James Jones
Description in conversation Commander Smith/Lieutenant Commander Jones
List of Directors or Patrons Commander John Smith; Lieutenant Commander James Jones
Place card Commander John Smith/Commander James Jones

*A younger man, or a more junior officer in any of the Armed Forces, addresses him as 'Sir'.


 

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