Fisher's two active-service periods ran from 1854 to 1911 and from 1914 to 1915, although calling the intervening years retirement is misleading. An Admiral of the Fleet remained permanently available to the Crown even when holding no appointment. Fisher's years out of post differed from leaving naval service altogether. The distinction explains how a senior officer could be recalled in wartime after an apparently final departure.
Notable Point · 5:48-6:50
Why an Admiral of the Fleet did not truly retire
Fisher's two active-service periods illustrate how an Admiral of the Fleet remained available to the Crown even while holding no appointment.