General plan of the port of Boulogne, 1804. Napoleon decided to begin the invasion of England from Boulogne and ordered the extension of the port.
© Musée national de la Marine Napoleon's ambitious invasion scheme was first devised in July 1803. It involved not only the French Army and Navy but also the construction of a special invasion flotilla. These vessels would transport men, horses, ammunition and artillery across the English Channel.

Despite its diffcult tides and lack of facilities, Boulogne was chosen as the key departure port. By the end of 1804, over 150,000 men were stationed at the camp there and some 2000 vessels were assembled ready for invasion. There was a series of magnificent ceremonies designed to boost morale, including presentations of the Legion of Honour.

Although Napoleon was a gifted army commander, he did not really understand warfare at sea. His ideas relied too much on good weather, favourable tides and the absence of any British response. But, by March 1805, he had finalized the grand plan that he hoped would make Britain his.

The chase >>