Joshua began learning his trade aboard his father William Rowley's flagship during the 1744 battle. William's Barfleur lost 25 killed and 20 wounded while the Matthews-Lestock dispute left much of the fleet's conduct open to parliamentary recrimination. Neither faction attacked William's performance, and he subsequently received command of the Mediterranean Fleet. Joshua saw how an officer could remain trusted across factions, support colleagues in battle, and keep operational disputes from becoming personal political wars.
Chapter · 5:10-9:27
Toulon and William Rowley's professional example
William Rowley's unchallenged conduct during the confused Battle of Toulon became a family model of politically neutral professionalism.