At the 1778 Battle of Ushant, Rowley commanded the leading ship of Harland's van, a position in which one captain's decisions could shape every ship following. Monarch and the van carried out their orders and turned to pursue the French rear, while Palliser's division struggled to form line. Harland and Rowley might otherwise have received greater recognition for the best-executed part of the British action. Political controversy swallowed the battle's aftermath, but the episode shows Rowley succeeding in a position chosen precisely for reliability.
Chapter · 1:43:39-1:47:50
Leading Keppel's van at Ushant
Keppel places Rowley's HMS Monarch at the head of the British fleet, where the van performs its maneuver while the rear falls into disorder.