Invincible and Victory were both launched in 1765, but Invincible was commissioned soon afterward while Victory waited until 1778. Third rates formed the battle line and were needed in much larger numbers. First rates supplied the firepower and status expected of a senior admiral's flagship. Their different commissioning histories show how those roles affected the ships kept in service.
Notable Point · 1:23:39-1:25:15
Third rates formed the working line while first rates carried status
Invincible and Victory's commissioning histories illustrate the different demands placed on third rates and first-rate flagships.