At Barfleur, both fleets divided into three squadrons, each with three divisions under flag officers. In the colour-based command system, each squadron had an admiral, vice admiral, and rear admiral to lead its divisions. The Anglo-Dutch force of 82 ships also needed senior captains to command smaller groups. Where the selected captain was not the most senior, a temporary appointment as commodore gave him authority for the mission. Other groups could follow their senior captain by ordinary seniority.
Notable Point · 47:57-50:27
How flag officers and commodores divided a large battle fleet
Squadrons and divisions gave flag officers manageable commands, while seniority or a temporary commodore appointment established authority within smaller groups.