Hornby became Admiral of the Fleet and president of the Royal Naval College, Greenwich, promoting the study of naval history and warfare. He would not accept First Naval Lord on existing terms because he wanted promotion and advice insulated from party politics. His preferred structure joined naval leaders trusted across the service to staff expertise in intelligence, operations, technology, administration, and ministerial briefing. The structure resembled the one Britain improvised only by the end of the First World War, roughly four decades later.
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Hornby demanded a professional naval staff
Hornby repeatedly declined the senior naval office unless political promotion gave way to a professional staff system with operational, technical, and administrative expertise.