What ranks existed between the different crew members aboard a British warship in 1710? And did ranks differ on different rates of warships (1st rate, 2nd rate, 3rd rate etc)?
I’m asking about ranks like Captain, lieutenant and any other rank above and below (in order, and plus those are 2 of the very few ranks I know that would occupy a ship like this in 1710)
Most importantly, What were the roles of these ranks?
Which ranks were involved in [physical] combat? (i.e. ship battles and boardings). Could any other ones participate in combat in the event of an emergency?
What clothing would each rank wear on their person? I know standard uniforms were not issued yet during this part of the 18th century, but would men in certain ranks be required/expected to wear clothes that would distinguish them from other crew members? (For example, I’d expect a lieutenant or an officer to wear a more elaborate outfit than, say, an able seaman)
Ranks, I believe from my extensive research on British Naval History, have never differed from a 1st Rate to a 2nd Rate. The only thing that changes is the role of the ship with each rate. I imagine that some were stronger, some were weaker, and their purposes differed altogether, but contributed to the mission.
The roles they played varied based on their ranks. Just like today, Navy Officers are assigned to certain positions aboard ship and specific stations during combative moments in war. I believe there was never a specific rank free of conflict during wartime and when in combat, every Officer and Enlisted contributed to the fight in some way. As I said, their were possibly specific battle stations so, some might board, some might not.
I don't think, or know too much, an Enlisted sailor having a uniform back in the 1700's. I know an Officer had an uniform and I believe Enlisted personal were granted uniforms in the Napoleonic Wars. You can see paintings of Sailors with a specific uniform type in the 1800's.
We can't forget the Royal Marines though. They were responsible for the protecting the ship, and its Captain, at all times and Marines were drilled in anti-boarding operations and boarding operations when combat occurred. A favorable tactic for US Marines, based off of Royal Marines, were to shoot down Officers from the topsails and take out essential personal like a boatswain or Captain.
This is what I know from the top of my head, but I could be wrong in some instances. I hope I helped and, if I may, what prompted you to ask such a question?