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The Battle of Trafalgar

Battle plans

England expects every Man to do his duty England expects every Man to do his duty. Lord Nelson explaining to the officers the Plan of Attack previous to the Battle of Trafalgar, by William Marshall Craig, James Godby and Edward Orme. Published 9 January 1806. Repro ID: PU4050 ©National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, LondonAs Napoleon's troops were already marching towards Austria, an invasion of Britain no longer seemed imminent.

But the combined French and Spanish fleet still posed a considerable threat to British interests. Nelson arrived off Cadiz on 28 September. He decided that the Combined Fleet had to be destroyed.

Over the next two evenings, Nelson shared his plans with the admirals and captains under his command. His tactics were not particularly innovative. What was new was his care in ensuring that each officer knew the plan – through a personal briefing, followed by written instructions. Rather than relying on signals from Nelson during the heat of battle, each commander was expected to use his own initiative in engaging the enemy.

The Combined Fleet >>

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Battle plans
Nelson approached the battle in an innovative way, ensuring the officers knew the plan thoroughly. They were expected to use their own initiative in engaging the enemy and not rely on signals during the heat of battle.
The Combined Fleet
The Combined Franco-Spanish Fleet emerged from Cadiz on 19 October 1805. Their instructions were to attack Naples in order to divert Austrian forces towards Italy and disrupt their campaign in central Europe.
The British fleet
The success of the British fleet in battle depended largely on the strengths of British officers and men. The Navy's emphasis on practical seamanship had produced a highly skilled and efficient force.
Into battle
Nelson held last-minute discussions with several of his captains before making his own preparations for battle. At ten minutes before noon, the fleets engaged.
The death of Nelson
Nelson was hit by a musket ball on the left shoulder which passed through his lung and broke his spine. He was attended to by the surgeon while being updated on the progress of the battle.
Home of the Prime Meridian of the World. Longitude 0° 0' 0", Latitude 51° 28' 38"
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Tel: +44 (0)20 8858 4422, Recorded Information Line +44 (0)20 8312 6565
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