During Camperdown, a shot passing over Agincourt's deck drew a crewman's taunt that there was no danger yet. The ship's captain was later court-martialed and dismissed for failing to display the expected courage. Duncan had warned him beforehand and consistently held officers to a stricter standard because rank carried greater responsibility. The brief episode complements Duncan's willingness to pardon sailors: mercy below decks did not mean accepting weak leadership from those entrusted with command.
Notable Point · 1:24:23-1:24:58
Duncan's stricter standard for officers at Camperdown
A flinch on deck and a later court martial show why Duncan demanded more courage from officers than from the sailors they led.