Why and how did George V give titles to his generals over lands that he did not possess?

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These generals were given these titles because they performed a great victory there (in the eyes of the king).

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English noble titles, even when related to a geography, did not have the same connotation of domination over a geographical area that continental titles did. Thus, in 1450, the Duke of Norfolk had castles in Norfolk, but also in Wales and in the north of England. He was expected to respond to his sovereign's call and go wherever he was needed. He was not responsible for the administration of the shire of Norfolk; it was more important that he be able to project power into Wales or to the Scottish border.

For military men, the title is meant to commemorate the location of an achievement, rather than to indicate possession.

Upvote:13

By the time of George V, it was a long standing practice to name military honours after the place/event for which they were awarded. These honours conveyed no title to land and so there was no requirement for that land to be held by the British Crown. In the case of Naval awards, the location need not be on land. E.g. Baron Nelson of the Nile (who would probably have become Earl Nelson of Trafalgar had he lived).

Where a military honour was awarded was made for general meritorious service, rather than a particular battle, the honour was often named after a British location (often the place of birth or residence of the person receiving the award). E.g. Edward Pellew became Baron Exmouth.

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