Age of Sail battle lines reveal how first and third rates worked together. First and second rates appear most often in the largest actions and usually carry senior admirals at the head of columns. The columns behind them are overwhelmingly made of third rates. A first rate might break into the enemy line, while third rates pour through the opening, hold formation, and continue the gunnery contest. This division of labour explains why rare prestige ships could be important without giving a fleet most of its usable strength.
Notable Point · 49:00-50:11
First rates broke the line, third rates filled it
Famous first-rate flagships might lead a column and crack an enemy line, but third rates supplied the mass that entered the gap and sustained the fight.