Collingwood's initiative at the Glorious First of June made him an officer whom admirals, especially John Jervis, wanted in their fleets. His command of HMS Excellent is connected to the name later used for the Royal Navy's principal gunnery establishment. Collingwood was an unusually committed student of gunnery theory and practice, with an interest that went beyond natural aggression in battle. That preparation helps explain the disciplined rate and accuracy of fire later achieved by Royal Sovereign at Trafalgar.
Notable Point · 19:29-21:01
HMS Excellent and Collingwood's gunnery culture
Senior admirals seek out Collingwood after the Glorious First of June, and HMS Excellent becomes the setting for his exacting interest in naval gunnery.