Beresford was born into the Waterford family and entered the Royal Navy in 1859. After Britannia, he became a midshipman on the steam three-decker HMS Marlborough, a flagship assignment in the Navy's most prestigious station. Family friendship with senior officers made this an unusually favorable beginning for a fifteen-year-old cadet. The posting established the social access that remained important throughout his career.
Chapter · 17:00-23:34
A privileged start in the Mediterranean Fleet
Beresford entered the Royal Navy at thirteen and joined HMS Marlborough, flagship of the Mediterranean Fleet, after an unusually well-connected upbringing.