Squadrons, divisions, and colored flag ranks at Barfleur

The Anglo-Dutch force is described here as four broad squadrons: three English formations and a Dutch contingent operating as its own force. Each squadron divided into smaller groups under flag officers. Admiral, vice admiral, and rear admiral therefore referred to roles within a working fleet organization as well as personal seniority. With roughly twenty ships in a squadron, an individual division might contain six or seven. The scale also shows why James II's hoped-for nineteen defections amounted to much more than persuading a few isolated captains.