When the fleet was deployed, the vice-admiral would be in the leading portion or van, acting as the deputy to the admiral.

The rank of Vice-Admiral evolved from that of Lieutenant of the Admiralty (1546–1564) that being an officer who acted as secretary to the Lord Admiral of England and lapsed in 1876 but was revived in 1901 by King Edward VII.

[1] Prior to 1864 the Royal Navy was divided into coloured squadrons which determined his career path.

The command flags flown by a Vice-Admiral changed a number of times during this period.

A vice-admiral flies a St George's cross defaced with a red disc in the hoist.