Augustus Keppel combined genuine ability with a strong need to be right. His crews loved him, but officers could find him abrasive because he held himself to an exceptionally high standard and expected everyone else to match it. That leadership style created energy as well as friction within a fleet command. Placing Rowley at the head of the van at Ushant therefore paired a demanding commander with a captain unlikely to let personality or politics interfere with execution.
Notable Point · 1:39:31-1:40:45
Keppel's high standards created command friction
Keppel could inspire sailors while alienating officers, making Rowley's dependable execution especially valuable in his fleet.