Nelson's 'Trafalgar' memorandum – the original draft, October 1805. By permission of the British Library When the Spanish declared war against Britain in December 1804 and added their ships to Napoleon's fleet, Britain's margin of numerical superiority over the French disappeared. Moreover, due to a series of attempted economies by the Earl of St Vincent, the First Lord of the Admiralty, the British fleet was in relatively poor condition by 1805.

As a result, success in battle depended largely on the strengths of British officers and men. The Navy's emphasis on practical seamanship, honed during long periods at sea, had produced a highly skilled and efficient force. Morale was high and Nelson was pleased with the 27 ships of the line that he commanded.

The main British fleet was stationed about 40 miles off Cadiz. Between it and Cadiz, there was a line of smaller ships, ready to pass on signals concerning the enemy's movements.

Into battle >>