At the bombardment of Alexandria, Beresford brought Condor into the required position and responded effectively to events. The ship's efficiency appears to have depended heavily on its non-commissioned officers, and Beresford struggled with officers outside his social background. A ship can succeed tactically even when its internal command culture exposes weaknesses. His competent performance in one action therefore did not establish the institutional judgment required for higher command.
Notable Point · 4:20-5:31
HMS Condor at Alexandria: success with reservations
Beresford's conduct with HMS Condor in Egypt shows why a successful action did not settle doubts about his wider fitness for fleet command.