The old blue, white, and red squadron colours provided grades of seniority within the flag ranks. Rank itself took precedence: a rear admiral of the red could not claim authority over an admiral of the white. Promotion did not require an officer to move through every colour in a fixed sequence, giving the Admiralty options when advancing successful officers. The relationship between Admiral of the Red and Admiral of the Fleet also changed over time. Promotion to admiral of the yellow removed an officer from the active command path, granting rank without the prospect of another fleet.
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Flag colours, seniority, and admirals of the yellow
Admiral, vice admiral, and rear admiral took precedence over flag colour, while promotion to the yellow removed an officer from further command.