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In December, 1917, Fisher lamented to George Lambert, "Is there a single Post-Captain who has risen from the ranks?"<ref>Quoted in Marder.  p. 267.</ref>  There then were none, but not for long.  [[Thomas John Spence Lyne|Thomas J. Spence Lyne]] had been specially promoted to {{LieutRN}} for gallantry in the Coronation Honours for King Edward VII in 1902.<ref>''London Gazette'': [http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/27448/supplements/4198 (Supplement) no. 27448.  p. 4198.]  26 June, 1902.</ref>  He was promoted {{CaptRN}} on 1 January, 1919,{{Gaz|31112|364|7 January, 1919}} and, though placed on the Retired List for age in 1925, was promoted to the rank of {{RearRN}} on the Retired List in 1931, the first occasion in modern times this had occurred.<ref>"Rear-Adml. Sir Thomas Lyne" (Obituaries).  ''The Times''.  Wednesday, 28 December, 1955.  Issue '''53413''', col C, p. 11.</ref>

After the institution of the Mate system in 1913, of the first tranche of thirteen candidates [[James Figgins]] alone reached the rank of Captain on the Active List, aged forty-seven,<ref>"Royal Navy" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Tuesday, 2 January, 1934.  Issue '''46641''', col D, p. 5.</ref> on 31 December, 1933.{{Gaz|34011|52|2 January, 1934}}  In 1935 [[Benjamin Charles Stanley Martin|Benjamin C. S. Martin]] became the second Mate to be promoted Captain, aged forty-four.  Since 1932, when ten commanders had been promoted to Captain twice a year, it had been decided to increase the total number by five, drawn mainly from further down the list of commanders.  Martin was 234th in order of seniority on the list when promoted.  The next above him was 144th.<ref>"Royal Navy" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Tuesday, 2 July, 1935.  Issue '''47105''', col F, p. 5.</ref> 

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