**Midshipman** was the naval entry level for Clements Markham. This was the lowest rank in the Royal Navy, typically given to young men between the ages of 12 and 16. Midshipmen were responsible for a variety of tasks, including navigation, sailing, and gunnery. They also served as messengers and assistants to the ship's officers.
Charting the Legacy of Clements Markham: A Voyage through the Life of a Pioneering Geographer