Invincible was a 74 of the same class as Terrible, wrecked off Norfolk in 1801 while sailing to join Hyde Parker's fleet for the Copenhagen campaign. Her captains included Parker and John Laforey, whose name later appeared on Royal Navy ships. Successive levels of command required different skills. Junior officers had to listen to experienced subordinates, while captains needed to delegate across the ship's specialties. An admiral then had to leave the flagship's captain to run the vessel and concentrate on the squadron, logistics, staff, and political decisions. Long wartime service could train capable captains without guaranteeing the wider judgment required of an admiral.
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HMS Invincible and the making of senior commanders
Invincible's captains introduce the different demands of commanding one ship and directing a squadron, including logistics, staff work, and political judgment.