Flagship training built Hornby's global experience

Hornby entered the Royal Navy at twelve and took part in the capture of Acre while still fifteen. Successive service on the Mediterranean, Cape of Good Hope, West Africa, and Pacific stations gave him operational and diplomatic experience across several kinds of mission. Three flagship appointments exposed him to senior commanders before he became a commander at twenty-five and a captain two years later. Patronage opened doors, but when the system worked it rewarded officers whose competence reflected well on their sponsors.