Before Jervis reached the Mediterranean, HMS Boyne caught fire and exploded at Spithead, taking his possessions with it. He re-established flag command in HMS Victory and again chose George Grey as his flag captain. Robert Calder served as captain of the fleet, effectively a chief-of-staff role, while officers including Nelson, Collingwood, and Troubridge formed an unusually strong command group. The moment is a useful preface to Cape St Vincent because it shows the staff and patronage network through which Jervis organized the fleet before battle.
Notable Point · 55:10-56:23
Boyne's loss and Jervis's Mediterranean command team
The destruction of HMS Boyne forced Jervis to rebuild his flag command around Victory, George Grey, Robert Calder, and an unusually strong group of captains.