Rear admiral (RAdm) is a flag officer rank of the Royal Navy.

The admiral would command from the centre vessel and direct the activities of the squadron.

Prior to 1864 the Royal Navy was divided into coloured squadrons which determined career path.

The command flags flown by a rear-admiral changed a number of times during this period.

[1] The Royal Navy rank of rear admiral should be distinguished from the office of Rear-Admiral of the United Kingdom, which is an Admiralty position usually held by a senior (and possibly retired) "full" admiral.