Beresford commanded the Channel Fleet and then the Mediterranean Fleet as his ambitions for the First Sea Lordship grew. David Beatty later characterized his regime as rigid training that discouraged initiative. The comparison with Beatty is specific: Beatty could forgive ignoring a signal if the officer won, whereas Beresford demanded obedience. Fisher's promotion to Admiral of the Fleet extended his service beyond the normal retirement age and upset Beresford's expected path to the office. An Admiral of the Fleet remained on the books and available for recall even after nominal retirement at seventy. The rank required exceptional standing among senior admirals, so royal favor alone could not assure Beresford of promotion.
Notable Point · 1:15:43-1:22:44
Mediterranean command and resistance to initiative
During his Mediterranean Fleet command, Beresford was remembered by David Beatty for rigid training and discouraging initiative while he pursued the First Sea Lordship.