Perrée and the French Navy's experience gap

Perrée went to sea at twelve under his father in the merchant service and earned a merchant captain's commission in 1785. He joined the navy in 1793, and his early record included an inconclusive action against Horatio Nelson and subsequent commerce raiding. He reached captain in September 1794 and rear admiral by 1799. His ability and long experience at sea made him valuable, but his senior naval rank rested on only a few years of naval service. That rapid promotion reflected shortages caused by revolutionary upheaval, wartime losses, and earlier royal policy. The expulsion of Huguenot and Protestant officers had already cost France experienced personnel, many of whom carried their skills into British service.