Eight allied flag officers, but no integrated command

Nelson was vice admiral of the white, Collingwood vice admiral of the blue, and Northesk rear admiral of the white, giving the British force a clear order of authority. Calder, had he remained, would also have fitted below Collingwood without a dispute over command. The combined fleet carried about eight senior officers with separate national and port-based squadron connections. It lacked the same integrated command structure, making coordination harder despite the greater number of flag officers. Sending a more senior vice admiral of the red would have displaced Nelson, which explains the importance of matching ranks to the intended commander. After the battle, Collingwood's promotion to vice admiral of the red gave him the seniority to command in the Mediterranean.