Nelson had become a rear admiral only the previous year, at 39. Seniority alone did not determine an officer's prospects because sea service and Admiralty favor affected advancement. Providing opportunities for service could accelerate a career, while withholding them could obstruct it. An officer who had to be promoted could still become a rear admiral of the yellow and cease active service. Formal rank therefore did not ensure command at sea.
Notable Point · 16:33-18:13
Promotion to admiral did not guarantee an active command
Sea service and Admiralty favor shape promotion, while appointment as a rear admiral of the yellow can end active service.