Into battle
The Combined Fleet moved slowly in the light winds, heading south towards the Strait of Gibraltar. At about 06.00 on 21 October 1805, the two fleets sighted each other. The French were sailing in line off Cape Trafalgar, while the British came in from the west, gradually forming two lines.
Nelson held last-minute discussions with several of his captains before making his own preparations for battle. Around 11.30, he asked his signal lieutenant, John Pasco, to hoist a signal, saying: 'England confides that every man will do his duty'. Pasco suggested replacing 'confides' with 'expects', as it was easier to hoist. The signal was greeted with delight by the fleet.
Finally, at ten minutes before noon, the fleets engaged. The French vessel Fougueux fired the first shots at the Royal Sovereign. With its inevitably bloody consequences, battle had begun.