Types of Naval Leadership in the Eighteenth Century

This chapter describes a few limitations in using the Nelsonian model of leadership as the only benchmark for consideration. Different fleets among the colonial powers were one reason for a variety of outcomes as well as differing views as to how to prepare officers for leaderships. British Admirals such as John Jervis and Cuthbert Collingwood advised aspirant officers to read history in the absence of leadership manuals. Fleet cohesion is also outlined as another key factor in the mix with admirals working with the ‘bottom-upward’ trend in action, being the most admired and loved. The Seven Years War is identified as a significant moment when the British Navy made a step-change in its ability to outperform its rivals for example Sir Charles Saunders’ capture of Quebec and actions undertaken by Sir George Pocock and Sir Edward Hawke. On the French side actions by the Comte de Grasse and Louis Villaret-Joyeuse also demonstrated moral courage – a key element of leadership – also exemplified in Horatio Nelson’s Nile Campaign in 1798.