Warrant officers and sergeants of 2nd Battalion The Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire), 1920 (c)

Photograph, 1920 (c).

A warrant officer's authority was granted through a warrant - a type of formal notice of appointment. Traditionally the ranks of warrant officer 1 (WO1) or 2 (WO2) were reserved for the most experienced and highly trained soldiers.

Warrant officers were promoted to their position from a non-commissioned officer rank, like colour sergeant. In an infantry regiment, the highest rank of warrant officer was regimental sergeant major.