Admiral Lord Nelson/biography///'The Band of Brothers'///
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Column Monument to Nelson...Great Yarmouth, Norfolk 1819
Column Monument...Trafalger Square, London 1843
Depiction of Nelson's Death Aboard HMS Victory
Nelson's Tomb In St. Paul's Cathedral Picture 1*[2]*[3]*
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Here is a song that was popular with the Royal Navy sailors of Nelson's era...they sang it particularly when preparing for battle...is said to have been sung throughout the fleet at Trafalgar...
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The period of the late 1700's and resulting turn of the century was a time of great peril for England. She had no allies but did have many strong enemies. Her most formidable foe was France and the legendary Napoleon Bonaparte. France had a strong ally, Spain. Also the Dutch were a considerable enemy. The threat of invasion for England was constant and Napoleon with a sense of his normal bravado had proclaimed that 'The English Channel is a mere ditch'. Bonaparte was to learn that in fact this 'ditch' could more rightly be called 'Nelson's Channel' and was guarded by Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson and a group of legendary sea Captains under his command, who Nelson had named 'The Band of Brothers'. In Nelson's words, refering to these men in his command:'each, as I may have occasion to mention them, must call forth my gratitude and admiration…..'
Nelson took this reference from none other than William Shakespeare...King Henry V...'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers'...Of this group of Captains no higher praise was expressed than that of an enemy after the climactic Battle of Trafalgar. Admiral Pierre Charles de Villeneauve:'To any other Nation the loss of a Nelson would have been irreparable, but in the British Fleet off Cadiz, every Captain was a Nelson.' Nelson had made this so. There have been over 1,000 books written about Admiral Lord Nelson.
Horatio Nelson was born on September 29, 1758 at Burnham Thorpe,Norfolk,England. His father was a minister and the fact that he was raised in a devout faith was to become a cornerstone of his life until his dying day. As he grew up on the seacoast, he was from his earlist days fascinated with ocean going ships and would regularly see them under full sail during his walks along the seacoast. Nelson had a great attachment to his native region and village and he maintained that a seaman from the Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk area was 'worth two of any other.' Aboard HMS Victory the day of The Battle of Trafalgar, Nelson remarked:'This is the happiest day of my life; what a happy day, too, for Burnham Thorpe, for it is the day of their fair.”
Nelson had a strong love for his father and his will requested that he be buried next to him.(He was in fact buried in St. Paul's Cathedral as a national hero, a provision in his will stated that his request to be buried by his father could be superceeded by a decree of the King.) Nelson's mother died when Horatio was nine, but he maintained a strong fondness for her as evidenced in this line from a letter written many years later:'The thought of former days brings all my mother into my heart which shows itself in my eyes...'
One of eleven children, Nelson understood early on that he should make his own way to some extent and as he loved the ocean and sailing ships, he resolved to join the Navy. His uncle Maurice was a Navy Captain and Nelson made a request to him for assistance in joining the Navy. As Nelson was somewhat smallish and slight of frame his uncle wrote back:'What has poor Horatio done, who is so weak, that he above all the rest should be sent to rough it out at sea ? But let him come and the first time we go into action, a cannon-ball may knock off his head and provide for him at once.' That was in 1771. Nelson joined his uncle's ship HMS Raisonnable and soon thereafter transfered to the HMS Triumph.
Nelson was always 'ripe for the game' and as is well known rose to great heights. A person could rightly ask, how could a man of slight build(also 5'6" height) and a basic education attain such lofty heights. Also throughout his life the lingering effects of illnesses and wounds were to leave him often weak. He achieved his success the following way: He was extremely brave and was on occasion, to lead boarding parties himself even when not required by his rank. As the men saw he was willing to face death by their side, he was much celebrated and gained immense reputation throughout all ranks of the fleet. As further evidence of his spirit he refused to remove military decorations or evidence of rank when entering battle.(this possibly cost him his life as he was killed by a sniper's bullet) He consulted openly with his subordinates, fully discussed and communicated his battle plans with them and always gave credit to subordinates where due. He was always willing to take a calculated risk. He studied and distilled the lessons of naval combat and applied them in straightforward, effective battle plans. He was devoutly religious, this helped him to be steadfast. He took a genuine interest in his family, countrymen and all the ranks of men in the fleet. It was said that when he set foot onboard a ship, the entire crew came to life. All attempting to portray themselves in the best manner to a man they considered a solid friend.
Nelson would frequently seek to talk with the ordinary seaman in his command. Here is one example shortly before going into battle . He happened upon an Irish sailor cutting a notch in a wooden gun-carriage. The sailor explained that he was adding it to the others he had carved to mark victories and doing so now in case he was killed winning another. Nelson laughed and replied:'You'll make notches enough in the enemy's ships!'
Here are some other comments made about Nelson by his contemporaries:
A tough Captain not given to such remarks stated:'Nelson was the man to love!'
Lord St Vincent said of Nelson:'All agree, there is but one Nelson.'
'He is so good and pleasant a man that we all wish to do what he likes without any kind of orders…'
'I have met with no character in any degree equal to his Lordship; his penetration is quick, judgement clear, wisdom great, and his decisions correct and decided; nor does he in company appear to bear any weight on his mind, so cheerful and pleasant that it is happiness to be about his hand.'
Nelson was well aware of these good feelings and took heart from them. He wrote to his wife, of his arrival to join the fleet, at one point:'I believe my arrival was most welcome...and, from the Admirals downwards...(and he was informed)'You are, my Lord, surrounded by friends'...
Upon Nelson's death a sailor on the HMS Royal Sovereign at Trafalgar wrote the following words that clearly expressed the feeling in the fleet and in such a way a higher ranking officer would most probably not have allowed himself:'I never set eyes on him for which I am both sorry and glad; for to be sure I should like to have seen him, but then, all the men in our ship who have seen him are such soft toads, they have done nothing but Blast their Eyes and cry ever since he was killed. God bless you! Chaps that fought like the Devil, sit down and cry like a wench.'
Here is the record of Nelson's timeline in Royal Navy service...
1775..Bombay, India, Nelson had a high fever from illness...Delirious with fever 'Nelson saw a shining orb which beckoned him on and "A sudden glow of patriotism was kindled within me and presented my king and country as my patron. My mind exulted in the idea. Well then, I exclaimed! I will be a hero and confiding in Providence, I will brave every danger.".'
1777...Commissioned as Second Lieutenant on HMS Lowestoffe under Captain William Locker. He is ever after to refer to Locker as his 'sea daddy' and had a lifelong close relationship with William Locker. From Locker he learned a tenet he is never to forget. 'Lay a Frenchman close and you will beat him'.
1778...Received his first command on HMS Badger.
1779...Nelson is commissioned Captain on HMS Hinchinbrooke...the crew of 200 contracted 'yellow jack fever' and only 10 survive.
1788...to 1793...Due to the 'needs of the service'...he was 'On the Beach' at half pay.
1793...Recalled and given command of HMS Agamemnon.
1794...Siege of Calvi...He is wounded and loses sight in his right eye.
1795...Engagement against the French Fleet and the 'Ca Ira' wass considered a British victory, but Nelson felt the commanding Admiral was not agressive enough...privately he related...'I wish to be an Admiral and in command of the English Fleet; I should very soon either do much, or be ruined. My disposition cannot bear tame and slow measures.'
1797...Battle of St. Vincent...Commanding HMS Captain, Nelson saw the Spanish make a maneuver which seriously threatened the British fleet, so he left the line of battle on his own initiative(for which he could have been quartmartialed)..The taking of this action, although unheard of, was a significant factor in the British victory. The admiral in Command stated:'difference between a desperate, reckless action and a daring well timed move. It is men not ships that win battles.' The resultant victory rendered harmless the French and Spanish plan to invade England for awhile. Nelson was promoted to rear admiral and created Knight of the Bath.
1979...In action off Cadiz, Nelson lead a boarding party...He stated...'I wish to make it a warm night at Cadiz'
1797...Failed attack on the city of Santa Cruz, Tenerife...Nelson severly wounded and lost his arm.
1798...Battle of the Nile at Aboukir Bay off Alexandria, Egypt...Commanding aboard HMS Vanguard, Nelson and his Band of Brothers destroyed 11 of the 15 French ships engaged...although the French fleet was found to be at anchor, that was intentional on the part of the French and they had arrayed themselves to put up an efffective defense against any attack...still the British held an advantage as they had in fact surprised the French... Once again Napoleon's plans are dismantled. In regard to the complete destruction Nelson commented:'Victory is not a name strong enough for such a scene.'.....He wass awarded the title Baron Nelson of the Nile.
1801...Battle of Copenhagen...Russia, Sweden, Prussia and Denmark had formed a Northern Confederacy and talked of an alliance with Napoleon. The Confederacy invoked a policy of armed neutrality and impounded British merchantmen in Baltic ports. The battle lasted four hours and the Danes, although sustaining heavy loses, continued to fight stubbornly and gained the respect of the British. Nelson decided to offer a truce. The Danes accepted and the Northern Confederacy is no longer a threat to England's flank. During the battle the Commander,Admiral Parker, feels Vice Admiral Nelson may have 'bitten off more than he can chew' and signaled Nelson to withdraw. Nelson famously 'turned a blind eye', Aboard the HMS Elephant Captain Foley alerted Nelson to the signal. Nelson replied :'You know Foley, I have only one eye. I have a right to be blind sometimes' then he put the spyglass to his blind eye 'I really do not see the signal!'
1801...England formed the Channel Fleet. This showed the seriousness of Napoleon's threat to invade England. The fleet consisted of 49 battleships each of 74 guns or more.The Royal Navy had never assembled such a powerful fleet.
1802...Treaty of Amiens formally ended war with France.
1803...Britain declared war on France. Nelson was appointed Commander in Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet andthe French prepared to invade England yet again.
1804...Nelson blockaded French ports. Spain declared war on Britain.
1805...The Battle of Trafalgar...The combined French and Spanish fleets assembled off Cadiz. The fate of England and Europe will be determined. Unlike the Nile, this was to be a full force open sea battle. Aboard the HMS Victory Nelson prepared to engage, having assembled his 'Band of Brothers'. He laid out his typical well thought out plan(the innovative plan was well received by the Fleet Captains) and in the event a Captain was to find himself out of communication with the fleet due to any circumstance, Nelson gave the following order 'No captain can do very wrong if he places his ship alongside that of an enemy.' The assembled Captains left and as the engagement became imminent, Nelson had his gallant message relayed to the fleet 'England expects that every man will do his duty'. HMS Royal Sovereign came under heavy fire as she sailed full speed toward the French line and Nelson said:'See how that noble fellow Collingwood takes his ship into action! How I envy him!' Nelson's HMS Victory joined the attack on the enemy line and Nelson remarked 'This is too warm work to last long.' An hour or so into the battle Nelson was hit with a sniper's bullet. He is carried below decks, said 'Doctor, I am gone' and asked to be remembered to his wife. He lived long enough to be assured of the fleets complete victory and when informed that 15 enemy ships had been taken, he said 'That is well,but I had bargained for twenty.'....then 'God be praised, I have done my duty.'...'How dear is life to all men.'...The French/Spanish threat from the sea was no more.
Here are the flag signals used...Flag Signal 1***Flag Signal 2...for Nelson' famous signal...
[Note:This is some more detail on the Battle of Trafalgar...Opposing Fleets...The enemy had been indecisive, Nelson was not. He had been spoiling for a fight, as was his wont and had in fact chased the enemy across the Atlantic and back. The enemy wanted to choose the time and place of battle, Nelson had other plans for them. Finally at Trafalgar, the enemies 'luck ran out'. Nelson caught up with them and pressed the attack. Nelson's plan was to drive the two British columns into and through the enemy fleet's line. As the British ships drove through the enemy line, 'crossed the T', they would rake the enemy ships from bow to stern. The British ships had specially outfitted 'smashers' to shred the enemy sailors when they passed. These were 68 pounder carronades(smashers)picture of a smasher...they were loaded with round shot and musket balls. Nelson's plan won the day, as did the fighting spirit of his well trained men, 'The Heart Of Oak'.
To show the character of Admiral Lord Nelson...Here is a prayer that he composed and prayed shortly before the Battle of Trafalger. It is still read outloud every year, when the Royal Navy honors Nelson on Trafalgar Day...
"May The Great God whom I worship grant to my country and for the benefit of Europe in general, a great and glorious victory; and may no misconduct in anyone tarnish it; and may humanity after victory be the predominant feature of the British Fleet. For myself individually I commit my life to Him who made me, and may this blessing light upon my endeavours for serving my country faithfully. To Him I resign myself and the just cause which is entrusted to me to defend. Amen. Amen. Amen."
Nelson was so esteemed by the public, even before Trafalgar, that immense crowds would form wherever he was. Often this would hinder his movement. Men and women would fall to their knees in his presence and the women would hold up their babies to him. Napoleon's threat of invasion had been an ongoing one , a real fear for a lengthy time. Nelson had been instrumental in holding the line for years, against this threat. In the end he finished it, once and for all. In so doing he gave his life. He is highly revered to this day for his noble character, loyalty to duty and country and for having as brave a heart as any man ever had.
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[[[Would like to relate a few anecdotes about Lord Nelson...These r from memory...When he was still young, in basic school..he would require the younger boys, to make water courses from a spigot and he would sail paper ships, much to the enjoyment and fascination of all...the school he attended, still has a brick that he carved his initials into(determination there)...
Early in his Royal Navy life, Nelson requested a bearthe on a Royal Navy ship, that was to sail on an Artic expition...he was told no, as young boys would be of little use...he persisted and was taken along...he and a shipmate left the ship unauthorizedly..their intent was to kill a polar bear...they caused great consternation and when asked y?...the reply was...I wanted to give the skin to my father...(no they did not get the bear, barely escaped with their life..lmao)...
Lord Nelson was 'On the Beach' at one point in life and when being recalled , by the all-knowing wisdom of the Admiralty...he held a celebration in the Burnham-Thorpe area(at a well known tavern, roadhouse..still active today)...outside the roadhouse was a group of young boys..one was disappointed he had not been invited inside(as his mother had cared for a younger Nelson in the capacity of maidservant, helping to raise the young bastard)..well, his mates started to rile him(as to the fact he was not invited)..not one to take this lightly..the young man fought them ...to let them kno what was what..Nelson saw the fight and said it was a valiant fight..the young man took this to heart and for ever after called himself... Valiant High...(High being his given last name). Valiant fought with Lord Nelson at Trafalgar, years later...(I say with, cuz u did not fight under Nelson..u fought with him...he was a tru leader of men..Nelson had no fear of death and as such it can be said he truly lived]]]
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These are song samples from a CD/album of sea going songs popular in Nelson's era. They are faithfully recreated and some where favorites with the general population of Britain as well...
The samples are 30 seconds long...to play the song link...Right Click the link>Copy Shortcut>Go to the header in your Windows Media Player>Select File>Select Open URL>In the window that pops up>Paste the Shortcut(Link) that you just copied in the window>Hit OK...
To get album/CD info...Left Click any link...for a somewhat more detailed explanation refer to PLAYING, in the RH>>> link list...
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Spanish Ladies...St. Patrick's Day...Warlike Seamen...Drops Of Brandy....
Nancy Dawson...The Battle Of The Nile...Nelson's Victory/Hull's Victory...
The Banks Of The Nile/Sailor's Cravat...Chevy Chase...
Don't Forget Your Old Shipmate...Sailor's Jacket...Heart Of Oak
Distressed Men Of War........Heart Of Oak....
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