While second lieutenant aboard , Aubrey was the leader of the prize crew for the "Généreux" after it was captured by Nelson's fleet in 1800. He earned a silver Nile medal, having served as a lieutenant aboard HMS "Leander" during the battle of the Nile in 1798, mentioned in "Master and Commander". The Nile Medal is mentioned whenever Aubrey wears his dress uniform. The Battle of the Nile was a major turning point in the long wars between the United Kingdom and Napoleon's France, when dominance on the sea went to the United Kingdom. Horatio Nelson became a hero for his role in that 1798 battle.