Battle of Trafalgar 1805

What happened? Invade Britannia?  First heard London 1745 'Slaves' inspiration of lyrics destruction of the Phoenician seafaring trading empire Colony of Carthage by Roman Republic in 146 BC  The Punic Wars Roman Republic v. Carthage Colony / Empire (Phoenician) series wars:  264 BC to 146 BC Punic from Latin 'Punicus' = Phoenician (Carthaginian) Carthage defeated / Roman Republic ascendency Carthage Third Punic War 3 year siege by Romans walls breached, Carthage sacked Carthage deliberately burned to ground 146 BC over the space of 17 days Carthage city walls and buildings were completely destroyed Carthaginian territories were annexed by Rome as Roman province of Africa 150,000 to 250,000 est. Carthaginians dead many died 3 year siege / others in 6 days of fighting 50,000 Carthaginians (small surviving portion of original population) sold into slavery by Roman victors Carthage is where Tunisia is now Summary https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Trafalgar Battle of Trafalgar (Oct 1805) at:  Cape Trafalgar, Spain British Royal Navy vs. combined French & Spanish fleets decisive naval engagement of Napoleonic Wars 1.  control of the seas 2.  averted possibility of French invasion & conquest of Britain Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson  FLAG SIGNAL SENT FROM HMS Victory: "England expects that every man will do his duty" Ships in fleet misrecorded signal as:  "England expects every man to do his duty" It is the misrecorded, prevalent version that is on tomb of Horatio Nelson, St Paul's Cathedral Battle of Trafalgar (Oct 1805) at:  Cape Trafalgar, Spain during:  War of Third Coalition (Aug-Dec 1805)         European conflict:  1803 to 1806         France, Napoleon I     + French client states         v. THIRD COALITION THIRD COALITION Holy Roman Empire (Germany) Russian Empire Britain Kingdom of Naples Kingdom of the Two Sicilies Kingdom of Sicily Sweden Kingdom of France French royalists versus France - French Empire, Napoleon I Spain Kingdom of Italy (Napoleonic) Etruria Batavian Republic (Dutch Netherlands) Napoleonic Italy Electorate of Bavaria Bavaria Württemberg Poland Polish Legions War of Third Coalition Battles Central Europe Italy Atlantic Result:  French victory TREATY OF PRESSBURG (1805) - consolidation of French Empire - dissolution of Holy Roman Empire - Confederation of the Rhine, created *Fourth Coalition formed few months later:  hostilities resume -------/\/\/\    Interesting European History Detour  Holy Roman Empire alliance between Rome's pope and German tribes confederation starts 799 AD 800 AD crowning of Charlemagne Charles the Great, King of Franks - founder Carolingian Empire born in what is now Belgium (otherwise in Germany) Charlemagne crowned by pope, in exchange for protection irrespective of:  existing Roman Empire of the East (Constantinople) Charlemagne's mission, uniting all of Western Europe for first time since fall of Rome ... by the sword, ie. by forced conversion to the non-European system of social and political control known as 'Christianity' http://www.roman-emperors.org/leoiii.htm Summary Source, book:  Simon Dubnov, Moche Spiegel 'History of the Jews' below: Dec. 25, 800 AD Charlemagne Crowned by Pope Leo III as Emperor of Romans &  "the most pious Augustus" at St Peter's Basilica, Rome ALONGSIDE EXISTING BYZANTINE EMPIRE - REMNANT OF FORMER EAST-ROMAN EMPIRE - THERE RE-EMERGED THE WEST-ROMAN EMPIRE OF ITALY & MIDDLE EUROPE Holy Roman Empire (Western Roman Empire) of Italy & Middle Europe capitals = France & Germany Rome as spiritual & religious capital Only much later, when pope/church power surpassed power of king, were Jews subjected to religious sector of state In meantime, Charlemagne & successors, had Jews of new empire under patronage & pope was reliant on Charlemagne protection friendly relations between Holy Roman Empire new power & Jews in Narbonne, France (south) district previously annexed to Visigoth Spain & previously under control of conquering Arabs 759 AD army of Franks, led by King Pepin (hunchback, father of Charlemagne (eldest son)) conquered Narbonne with help of Christians - who slaughtered Arabs & surrendered city to Franks / alternatively help of Jews [not clear to me]. 'Acts of Charlemagne' texts: Jewish community of Narbonne had existing full autonomy even had king of own of Davidic dynasty who had come from Baghdad Isaac, chief of Jewish delegation reportedly informed Charles if Jews surrender would not be traitors to Arabs [that makes no sense if Jews killed the Arabs, so Christians must have?] Jewish delegation gifts Charles with 70,000 'marks' in name of Jewish king & declares submission on condition that former autonomous community may remain intact Charlemagne consented & granted Jews one-third of Narbonne one-third awarded to bishop one-third awarded to Count Emmerich Jewish zone administered by Rabbi Makhir, descendant of Davidic dynasty summoned by Charlemagne from Babylon & appointed as 'Nasi' (prince) / patriarch of Jews [Therefore Narbonne division is:  Jews, Church, Nobility.] Founders of Carolingian dynasty cooperative with Jews of Narbonne Jews of Narbone political favour of significance to Franks due to struggle with Arab invaders of Spain FOR control of south of France Jews of Narbonne also enjoyed special privileges after city recaptured from Arabs Pope Stephanus III wrote letter re Jews being permitted to own land & live with Christians Pope Stephanus II: "Christians till the fields and vineyards; male and female Christians living under one roof ... justice demands that all promises that were made to those unbelievers ... be abolished, because of the death of the crucified Redeemer." Charlemagne consented to granting Jews previous privileges of Jews under Arabs:  owning land and hiring labour. However, Charlemagne recognised Jews as main players in world trade in peak of Baghdad Caliphate, enabled by constant relations between Jewish communities of Asia and Europe.  Jewish merchants (Randanites) spoke multiple languages and travelled with goods to Asia and Africa. Narbonne & Marseilles  = centres of international trade with mixed population.  'History of Jews' indicates that Jews, as in ancient times, were among shipowners who shipped cargo & passengers across world.  Carolingian official documents often refer to 'Jewish and other merchants", so Jews appear pre-eminent among the traders. Jews played key role as intermediaries in international trade (between the Baghdad Caliphate and Charlemagne).  Jews also played role in the political relations.  Jews interpreters and emissaries in negotiations with the Arabs. Jews were under protection of the emperor Jews could not be unlawfully harassed, slandered or have property unlawfully transferred or confiscated Special taxes could not levied of Jews Jews could live according to own laws (proviso:  release Christians from Sunday & holy day labour) Jews could buy and sell foreign Moslem and pagan slaves, but slaves could not be baptised without approval of their Jewish masters (which would be denied, as law freed slave converts to Christianity).  Jews and Christians were equal under the law courts.  But Jews were apparently more equal: Jews were not to be subject to fire, boiling water or whipping if it is contrary to Jewish law. In crimes of killing or incitement to kill, answerable to emperor.  Relations with Christians were friendly in France & Jews had high status. Clergy was unhappy with this and problems began when archbishop of Lyon began to incite hostility of Christians during sermons. Above source, book:  Simon Dubnov, Moche Spiegel 'History of the Jews' author:  this historian More | Holy Roman Empire -------/\/\/\ Interesting European History Detour  Charlemagne, Holy Roman Emperor three-decades of battles against the Germanic Saxons 782 AD - Massacre of Verden Charlemagne ordered slaughter of 4,500 Saxons force-converted Saxons to Christianity / all who refused were killed [wikpedia] *** Apart from the non-believable / superstitious factor of all religion, this force (and foreign political and social control factor) is why I cannot understand continued acceptance of what is domination by mortals, claiming to represent the wishes/communications etc of 'god' and the failure of the masses to simply accept that there is nothing but the law of man and that law is:  might is right.  Might derives from wealth and position.  That is all there is. This intellectual oppression and backwardness exists hundred of years later because the same institutions refuse to relinquish power and privilege.  Even more horrifying:  we are heading backwards.  European societies are being invaded as a policy of the economic-political elite.  The West is about to collapse, and the world will be plunged into hundreds of years of darkness again. Pope Leo III the Isaurian ie the Syrian born in Germanicia, North Syria (Anatolia, later Maraş, Turkey) original name:  Konon his family was removed by Emperor Justinian to Mesembria (Bulgarian Black Sea coast) /  Thrace refused to acknowledge Theodosius III's claim to imperial throne joined forces with Artabasdos, general of Armeniakon to force abdication Meanwhile, Arabs invading Arabs besiege Constantinople 717 AD Byzantine Empire territories lost to Germanic, Slav and Arab incursions loss of territories + underwater earthquake (Thera & Therasia 726 AD) seen as signal of divine displeasure Leo III  - "the first Iconoclast emperor" ( icon of Mary / superstitious protection ritual ) Leo III driven by desire for unity of empire under threat from Arabs Leo III allied with Khazars & Georgians versus Arabs 740 AD decisive in halting Umayyad Arab advance Leo III unity drive also resulted in forced conversions of Jews + Montanists Montanists = 2nd Century AD, f. by Montanus, early Christian sect Montanus was a priest of Apollo or Cybele believed he was a prophet of god believed Paraclete (holy spirit) spoke through him 741 AD - Leo III succeeded by his son:  Constantine V http://www.roman-emperors.org/leoiii.htm -------/\/\/\ Back to Horatio Nelson Battle of Trafalgar (1805) at:  Cape Trafalgar, Spain /  British Commanders: Admiral Lord Nelson Cuthbert Collingwood 33 British Ships vs. 41 combined French & Spanish British      French    Spanish 458 dead               2,218        1,025 1,208 wounded      1,155        1,383 POW                     4,000        4,000   (*3,000 drowned in storm) British imposed a naval blockade on France French trade affected French unable to fully mobilise own navy French managed evasions of blockade, but did not inflict major defeat on British British attacked French interests domestically and abroad with ease Peace of Amiens = 1802, ended hostilities French & UK but Napoleon reportedly determined to invade Britain to do so, control of English Channel needed Third Coalition declared war on France French main fleets at BREST, BRITTANY TOULON, MEDITERRANEAN COAST smaller squadrons at other ports of French Atlantic Spanish fleet CADIZ FERROL British fleets well-trained & experienced However, best officers of French navy EXECUTED OR LEFT SERVICE - IN EARLY FRENCH REVOLUTION French Command Vice-Admiral Pierre-Charles Villeneuve command of French Mediterranean fleet (on death of Latouche Treville) more competent officers employed elsewhere or fell out of favour with Napoleon Bonaparte 1798 - Battle of the Nile (1798) British defeated French Villeneuve not keen on British engagement 1805 Napoleon navy plan was for French & Spanish fleets in Med. & Cadiz to:     - break through blockade     - join forces in Caribbean     - then return to assist Brest fleet to emerge from blockade     - jointly clear English Channel of British ships     - ensuring safe passage for invasion barges 1805, Vice Admiral Lord Nelson commanded British fleet blockading Toulon maintained loose blockade, hoping to lure French LOL ... I found the:  poop deck / I can't help laughing at that.  I know, it's so juvenile of me. Poop Deck technically:  stern deck naval architecture deck forms roof of cabin built in rear ('aft') of superstructure of ship https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poop_deck originates from:  la poupe (French 'stern', from Latin 'puppis') stern - rear part fm. sterne, poss. Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse stjōrn, rudder Battle Looks like battle was fought on basis of columns of British attack ships A.  French / Spanish in arc of ships with back-up ships sparse B. English in x2 parallel line formations head for central French/Spanish arc. Ships at tip (van) of British lines more concentrated than the rear of the line probably for impact and for cover (rear ones must be for back-up) Vice-Admiral Pierre-Charles Villeneuve ordered by Napoleon to sail Combined Fleet from Cadiz to Naples war council held on Velleneuve flagship, Bucentaure overall length, almost 60 metres 80-gun ship of the line was the flagship of Vice-Admiral Latouche Tréville, who died onboard shot in the arm by a musket ball 1780 during the American War of Independence battle b/w frigates Hermoine & HMS Iris (British) location:  Long Island Purpose of Nelson's parallel line formation was to cut into the arc of French Spanish ships, cutting line into 3 surrounding one-third and forcing them to fight to end by cutting line in front of flagship, rear isolated ships would not see flagship's signals taking those ships out of combat while they reformed (it was hoped) tactics of going straight at target used by: Admiral Duncan, Battle of Camperdown 1797 (v. Dutch / Holland) Admiral Jervis, Battle of Cape St Vincent 1797 (v. Spain / near Portugal) Advantages of plan: 1.  reduced chance that Franco-Spanish would flee (forced fight) 2.  breaking line = series of ship-to-ship actions     faster gunnery & better morale of British advantage 3.  concentration on rear of Franco-Spanish fleet / ships on van would take long time to turn to support van = vanguard / advance guard - leading part of advancing military formation   Medieval Army Tradition       'van' = derived from medieval army traditional division     medieval dived into three (3) -  BATTLES or WARDS         1.  Van - vanguard - advance guard / front         2.  Middle         3.  Rear - protects from attack from rear              aka 'rereward' or 'rearward'              rearmost (if deployed in column)              left-hand ward (if deployed in line)         Rearguard in military tactics established by battles of 1800s.         Before mechanisation of troop formations,         rearguard tactics usually used cavalry forces.         *later highly mobile infantry + mechanised (armoured) forces         narrow definition of rearguard = covering attachment protecting main ground force         WWI & WWI rearguard definition became more expansive         rearguard became minor unit of regular or irregular troops protecting withdrawal         of large numbers of military or civilian personnel         methods:  blocking, defending, delaying or interfering         purpose:  to gain time (for regrouping)         defensive action (holding territory); or         pre-emptive assault on enemy offensive ops ('spoiling attack') Rearguard actions in nation-state battles combat is desperate & vicious Rearguard can expect high casualties, if not suicide mission [Find the tactics really exciting and interesting.  Must be such a rush being a commanding officer ... It must also feel really good to be in combat, if you know what you're doing (and if you don't get hurt).  This is weird, but I sort of get a rush just from reading about tactics.  Probably because I'm perfectly safe here at the keyboard.  LOL] Burgundian Army 1400s van / vanguard typically consisted of: 1.  FORE-RIDERS contingent (forward scouts drawn from this section) 2.  MAIN BODY of vanguard (accompanying civil officials, trumpeters, messengers, summon surrender of towns) 3.  WORKMEN under direction of Master of Artillery (aim:  clear obstacles that obstruct logistics & artillery) Artillery - large-calibre weapons, eg cannon, howitzers, missile launchers / operated by crews. [TFD] [from Old French, from artillier, to equip [TFD]] Trafalgar Battle Plan Nelson instructed his captains of battle plan over x2 dinners abroad HMS Victory order of sailing (ie where ships were when enemy sighted) would be order of action that followed therefore no time wasted on creating set formation second in command:  Vice-Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood easy recognition: Nelson Chequer - Nelson ordered the ships of his fleet painted in a distinctive yellow & black pattern Nelson knew not to over-plan tactics & to give captains free hand as nothing is sure in sea battle / chance factor (Machiavelli considered chance factor, too, I think) circumstances would dictate actions subject to only guiding rule: 1.  enemy's rear to be cut off 2.  concentrated force on the cut off enemy rear [Imagine how cool it would be studying different military compositions, battle tactics and traditions of eg. Persians, Mongols, Ottomans, Native Americans, Romans, Greeks and so on.] Villeneuve anticipated attack on rear drawn pre-battle chase exhausted Villeneuve who lost his courage Villeneuve did not act on anticipation / inexperienced officers / maintain formation in more than one group unlikely French internal power struggle or similar Villeneuve was to be replaced by another but found pretext to sail prior disgrace before fleet   WEATHER TURNED FROM CALM TO A WEEK OF GALES slowing progress of Combined Fleet =  British plenty of warning of Combined Fleet departure from harbour reluctance of some captains to leave Cadiz  = did not follow Villeneuve orders closely & straggled from harbour without set formation fleet set in order after several days / spotted force of 18 British ships in pursuit began to prepare for battle in night / ordered into single line Nelson's fleet in pursuit with wind behind Villeneuve ordered 3 columns but changed to single line result:  sprawling formation some change ordered (turn about), causing problems for inexperienced seamen some problem with wind conditions (light) caused delay & ragged formation Nelson outnumbered & out-gunned: Combined Fleet    Britain / Nelson 30,000 men            17,000 men  2,568 guns              2,148 guns As British drew close, officers and sailors - anxiety perception:  England's fate rested on this battle Nelson went to poop / rear deck & ordered signal: ENGLAND CONFIDES (EXPECTS) THAT EVERY MAN WILL DO HIS DUTY using 'England' to refer to United Kingdom British fleet included significant contingents from: Ireland Scotland Wales Tricky Move Nelson led column to van (front / left) of Franco-Spanish arc & abruptly turned to point of attack ships moving very slowly because winds light British ships in front under heavy gunfire from several Franco-Spanish ships for hour before they could employ own guns Villeneuve signal:  'Engage the enemy" British Royal Sovereign outran rest of British fleet & was in firing line managed to break line & fire devastating shot at Santa Ana HMS Belleisle under fire 45 minutes until British ships came to rescue de-masted completely, unable to move / fight HMS Victory was under fire 40 minutes projectiles wounded crew & shot wheel away had to be steered from tiller belowdecks HMS Victory cut Franco-Spanish line at 12:45 coming close to Bucentaure, killing & wounding many gundecks HMS Victory locked masts with French Redoutable crew of Redoutable, which included strong infantry corps gathered for attempt to board & seize HMS Victory Nelson Wounded Nelson struck in left shoulder by musket bullet fired from mizzentop of Redoubtable bullet passed through his spine at 6th & 7th thoracic vertebrae middle segment (abt. base neck to end rib-cage) lodged 2 inches below his right scapula (big flat shoulder bone) in muscles of his back mizzentop is platform at upper end of each lower mast fightingtop could be manned by snipers or swivel guns to fire on enemy decks swivel gun = mini cannons HMS Victory gunners called on deck to fight boarding enemy HMS Victory had ceased firing gunners forced below decks by French grenades Nelson carried below deck As second French ship prepared to board HMS Victory, British ship approached & fired on French high casualties caused by carronade carronade is a cannon on big wheels, made by Carron Company, ironworks, Scotland powerful short-range anti-ship and anti-crew weapon eventually fell out of use as rifled naval artillery changed shape of shell & engaged in fewer close engagements Rifling is swirly or twisted grooves inside barrel of firearm which gives projectile a spin, which stabilises the projectile & makes projectile more aerodynamic & accurate Bucentaure (enemy flagship) was isolated & under attack surrendered in 3 hours Franco-Spanish centre and rear overwhelmed as more British ships entered battle Franco-Spanish van (front / lead) sailed away British took 22 vessels of Franco-Spanish fleet & lost none Nelson, dying, ordered fleet to anchor as storm approaching even so, severely damaged ships sank or ran aground on shoals some recaptured by French & Spanish prisoners overcoming small seizure crews others recaptured by ships from Cadiz Nelson seemed to have a big thing about doing one's duty Reportedly, on deathbed, pleased that he had done his duty Nelson last recorded words:   "God and my country" Nelson may have been reciting prayer Horatio Nelson died 4:30 - 3 hrs after being hit Nelson's corpse was preserved in barrel of brandy Nelson buried in St Paul's Cathedral Nelson memorial column erected Trafalgar Square [Battle continues ... but it's not the same without Nelson] Looks like the Franco-Spanish kept attacking to get back the seized ships influenced Collingwood's decision to sink or set fire to the most damaged of remaining prizes Only x4 seized ships survived to be taken to Britain HMS Victory headed to Gibraltar for repairs, carrying Nelson's corpse Rosia Bay, Gibraltar repairs before return to Britain injured crew brought ashore & treated at Gibraltar naval hospital Trafalgar Cemetery in Gibraltar dead from injuries buried Defeat was kept secret for over a month by France French media was tightly controlled when news broke, it was proclaimed a victory [I'd say French media remains tightly controlled.] Vice-Admiral Villeneuve aboard his flagship, taken to Britain as prisoner. 1806 released. Returned to France.  Stabbed x6 to chest with dining knife. French officially recorded this as 'suicide' [So corrupt.  Who does that?  No wonder I get bad vibes from the French.] Although Battle of Trafalgar was British victory this had negligible impact on War of Third Coalition Napoleon decisively defeated Third Coalition in BATTLE OF AUSTERLITZ knocking Austria out of war & forcing dissolution of Holy Roman Empire but Battle of Trafalgar meant Napoleon could no longer challenge British at sea Napoleon's next move:  Continental System establishment to deny Britain trade with continent Napoleonic Wars continued another decade after Trafalgar French were never able to seriously challenge British in large-scale engagement French were never able to seriously challenge British in large-scale engagement French were forced to abandon immediate plans for invasion of Britain but French threat continued:  Napoleon began large-scale shipbuilding program that had produced 80 ships by time of his fall 1814 (+ more under construction) Britain had 99 active ships given time, French could have overwhelmed British in time, with sheer numbers almost a decade after Trafalgar, British navy maintained close blockade of French bases but Napoleon's empire fell in time *main difference = morale of the leaders  /  morale of leadership won the battle British Royal Navy dominated the sea until WWII victory at Trafalgar given as reason but historians now argue that economic strength was an important cause of British naval mastery 1905 Centenary 1905 centenary not attended by royal family to avoid upsetting french (recent 'Entente cordiale' agreements series) Gala was held at Royal Albert Hall but event ended with God save the King La Marseillaise [That's just b*llshit.  Nelson scarified his life.  What an insult to Nelson.  Assh*les.] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Trafalgar ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Horatio Nelson 1758-1805 born at the Rectory of Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk son of the village rector Edmund Nelson Royal Navy at Chatham (1770) Captain Maurice Suckling , uncle, patronage first attachment:  Caribbean-bound merchant ship then expedition to the Arctic (1773) India thereafter near fatal malarial fever / recurrent partial paralysis + incurable sea-sickness 1779 - age of 20, captain of frigate in West Indies American War served under Admiral Robert Digby & Lord Samul Hood during American War 1784 - return  to West Indies:  enforcement of: NAVIGATION ACTS preventing direct trade between remaining colonies & new American states rigid enforcement of law brought him into conflict with:     - traders     - commander-in-chief     - governor of Leewward Island this rotten lot tried to have Nelson removed or court-martialled Nelson successfully petitioned to Admiralty & King George III on Nevis, married widow with son out of favour with Admiralty on return to Britain for doing his duty in the West Indies & reportedly with King George for associating with disreputable son Nelson was refused another ship but recalled 5 years later at outbreak of wars with France Revolutionary Wars:  1792-1802 1794 tasked with securing Corsica for British during attack on Calvi, Nelson blinded in right eye by stone splinters returned to duty following day, despite injury British fleet encountered Spanish fleet off Cape St Vincent British heavily out-gunned but British decisive win 1797 credit:  Nelson - bold, unorthodox tactics (again) Nelson received knighthood detached to Santa Cruz in the Canary Islands to capture rumoured Spanish treasure lost right arm by grapeshot injury (amputation) grapeshot:  mass of small metal balls (not single projectile) Battle of the Nile 1798 - Abu Qir (Aboukir) Bay - Alexandria, Egypt dusk attacks by Nelson British win / massive French losses leaving French army stranded in Egypt Nelson was wounded Nelson returned to Naples for recovery affair with wife of Sir William Hamilton (Emma) granted peerage:  Baron Nelson of the Nile appointed principal military adviser to Court of Ferdinand IV, King of Two Sicilies Controversy 1.  advice to send army to recapture Rome from French (big defeat) 2.  affair with Emma Hamilton Relinquished command b/c ill health overland escort of Hamiltons to England Separation from wife on return Emma Hamilton pregnant with daughter Horatia financial issues led to return to active service 1801 - promotion:  vice-admiral second in command:  expedition to break armed neutrality of Baltic States engaged in battle with Danish fleet, coast of Copenhagen heavy losses, both sides lol ... ignored commanding officer's signal to disengage from firing reportedly put telescope to blind eye & claimed he did not see signal hour later battle was won Nelson elevated to viscount & appointed commander in chief of fleet & commanding officer (Parker) was recalled next assignment:  flagship HMS Victory / Battle of Trafalgar (above) Emma Hamilton died in abject poverty in Calais nine years later. Nelson's daughter Horatia returned to Norfolk & married clergyman. http://www.ourcivilisation.com/smartboard/shop/nelsonh/about.htm Horatio Nelson Biography Invade Britannia Rule, Britannia! Lyrics Rule, Britannia! Britannia, rule the waves! Britons never, never, never shall be slaves. When Britain first, at heaven's command, Arose from out the azure main, This was the charter of the land, And Guardian Angels sang this strain: (Chorus) The nations not so blest as thee Must, in their turn, to tyrants fall, While thou shalt flourish great and free: The dread and envy of them all. (Chorus) Still more majestic shalt thou rise, More dreadful from each foreign stroke, As the loud blast that tears the skies Serves but to root thy native oak. (Chorus) Thee haughty tyrants ne'er shall tame; All their attempts to bend thee down Will but arouse thy generous flame, But work their woe and thy renown. (Chorus) To thee belongs the rural reign; Thy cities shall with commerce shine; All thine shall be the subject main, And every shore it circles, thine. (Chorus) The Muses, still with freedom found, Shall to thy happy coasts repair. Blest isle! with matchless beauty crowned, And manly hearts to guard the fair. (Chorus) Rule, Britannia! Britannia, rule the waves! Britons never, never, never shall be slaves. Source | Lyrics COMMENT So daring.  Wow, I like Nelson a lot.   My new hero. The Villeneuve stabbing is ugly.  It's not nice to say this, but I don't think I like the French much.  Seem untrustworthy, vicious and treacherous. Even so, Napoleon seems kind of impressive:  didn't give up.  Began large-scale ship-building.  Got to admire that.  LOL Think the Battle of Trafalgar should be celebrated in a big way by the British and not doing so on the centenary was an insult to Nelson, as was playing the French national anthem on Nelson's day.  Immediate interests of appeasing the French should not have come before properly honouring a national hero.  That's a disgrace. Nelson seems really exceptional.   Not sure if it was worthwhile giving up his life for the nobility/merchant class of Britain, especially when they unfairly punished him for doing his duty blocking trade (per British law) and when, in the end, they dishonoured him on the centenary of his sacrifice for his country. Or is that sacrifice for the wealthy, ruling nobles and merchant class? If Nelson could see his country today, he would probably conclude it wasn't worth dying for an England that was stolen by the nobility and merchant class from under natural Englishmen, and handed to third world invaders that displace Horatio Nelson's people today. Signing Off With Russians