Nelson was a Vice Admiral of the White, below several grades of full admiral and far from the Navy's most senior deployed flag officer. His combat and Mediterranean experience mattered more than his place near the top of the list. That record ran from the American War of Independence through Copenhagen and the renewed war with France. HMS Victory was a powerful 104-gun first rate, although it was neither the largest British ship nor a badge of supreme seniority. Nelson's assignment reflected regional expertise: watch the French fleet at Toulon, pursue it if it escaped, and bring it to battle.
Chapter · 5:18-7:24
Nelson's rank, experience and Toulon mission
Nelson was a Vice Admiral of the White rather than the senior-most admiral, but his Mediterranean experience made him the right commander to shadow the Toulon fleet.