Royal Navy officers might later gain higher rank and wider responsibility, but independent command of a private ship remained a career pinnacle. A flagship did not offer the same autonomy because an admiral and flag staff were aboard and could direct the captain on his own ship. Somerville had spent much of his career on flagships and finally received Norfolk for only a few months, specifically to repair her and hand her over. Even if he had stayed longer, Norfolk was due to become Drax's flagship, so his rare period of truly private command would still have ended.
Notable Point · 1:08:49-1:10:27
Why a private ship command mattered to a Royal Navy captain
Norfolk's brief independence illustrates why Royal Navy officers prized a private command that was free from an embarked admiral and flag staff.