The sea could be a harsh filter on officers because mistakes quickly became fatal. That danger made naval service less attractive for the first sons of noble families, who were more often directed toward the army. Aristocratic culture still valued military conduct, and apparent disobedience or disgrace in battle could destroy elite standing. Lord George Germain's conduct at Minden supplies the example of a military failure damaging an aristocrat's reputation. Successful naval officers from outside the peerage could instead be ennobled, making service a route into the governing elite.
Notable Point · 1:34:01-1:36:11
Naval service as risk and a route into the aristocracy
A social-history aside explains why naval service could deter aristocratic heirs while turning successful officers from outside the peerage into new aristocrats.