 He gained promotion to rear admiral in January 1837 and although he retired in March the same year, he continued to receive awards and promotions.Bullen was awarded the Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 1839, a good service pension of £300 a year in 1843 and was promoted to vice admiral in 1846.In 1852 he was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath followed by promotion to full admiral in July that year.