HMS Thunderer entered the battle under acting captain John Stockham, showing that formal rank could lag behind operational responsibility. During the action, Lieutenant William Price Cumby took command of Bellerophon after Captain John Cooke was killed. Lieutenant William Hennah likewise succeeded Captain George Duff aboard Mars. These transitions show why the Royal Navy needed junior officers capable of assuming command immediately when the quarterdeck was struck.
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How lieutenants kept ships fighting after captains fell
See how acting appointments and prepared subordinate officers preserved command during the casualties of close action.