Keppel's return as First Lord brought Duncan command of the 90-gun HMS Blenheim under Howe, including service around the Battle of Cape Spartel. He then succeeded John Jervis in the 80-gun HMS Foudroyant before receiving the Portsmouth guardship HMS Edgar. The guardship appointment mattered because it kept him accumulating recognized service during peace rather than leaving him ashore. Together these commands explain how an officer without a signature independent victory could still build the professional record required for promotion to rear admiral.
Notable Point · 55:38-56:28
Cape Spartel and the value of peacetime command
Commands in Blenheim, Foudroyant, and Edgar show how combat reputation and continued peacetime employment carried Duncan toward flag rank.