Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:03:18-2:05:58

How Hornby learned diplomatic command

Hornby's diplomatic ability is attributed to decades of professional experience under capable admirals, not to a skill that could be transferred by a simple rule book.

Geoffrey Phipps HornbyMentorshipNaval DiplomacyNaval Professional EducationNaval TrainingPatronageRoyal Navy
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Question

Why was Hornby so effective at diplomacy, and how could others gain that ability?

Short answer

His ability came from long experience and mentorship under skilled admirals; naval diplomatic judgement is developed through sustained practice, not quickly taught in isolation.

Notes

Hornby's early service under experienced commanders linked his later judgement to repeated practical exposure to naval diplomacy. Ships can be built quickly, but crews, traditions, and senior command experience require much longer. The comparison of three years to build a ship, thirty years to build a crew, and three centuries to build a tradition captures that difference in timescale. Patronage could be flawed, yet it could also connect promising officers with demanding mentors and give them repeated opportunities to learn difficult station work.