Definition of high command

The term "High Command" originally referred to the supreme military authority in the British Army during times of war. It was coined during the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century, when a group of senior officers would gather at the Duke of York's headquarters in fashionable Saint James's Square in London. These officers formed an informal advisory council, known as the "York Superior Service Committee," to discuss military strategies and offer recommendations to the commander-in-chief. The term "high command" was derived from the French phrase "hautes instances," which translates to "high authorities." This phrase was used to describe similar senior military councils in continental armies. At the time, the British military was studying and adopting many French military concepts, which included the use of the term "High Command." The use of the term "High Command" became more widespread after the British Army reorganized in the late 19th century, with the formation of a single department responsible for both operational and administrative matters. The commander-in-chief, who was often the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, became known as the "High Command" to emphasize their authority and responsibility for the army's strategic direction. Today, the term "High Command" continues to be used in various military contexts around the world, typically to refer to senior military leaders responsible for overall strategy and operational planning.