Wednesday - July 02, 2008
Battle of Trafalgar log offers insight into Nelson’s victory
Wish I could own that log. Hate to see the price as low as it is. I guess maybe this bit of history means more to me. I hope a foreigner doesn’t buy it. It should stay in England.
Can you imagine that generation playing the silly ass games they do today. I mean for example, apologizing for everything any Brit ever did and making nice to ppl who are sworn to kill em. Man, that was an England to be proud of warts and all.
Battle of Trafalgar log offers insight into Nelson’s victory
by Nick Britten
Last Updated: 3:26PM BST 02/07/2008Describing the scene in the hours ahead of the battle, Hargood noted the fight would take place in “light airs and hazy weather, with heavy swell”.
He later wrote: “At daylight we saw the enemy’s fleet bearing east nine miles, consisting of 33 sail of the line, five frigates and two sloops.
“5.40: Answered the general signal to form the order of sailing. 6.00: Answered the general signal to bear up and sail large and prepare for battle.
“Made all sail, bearing down on the enemy. Answered the general telegraph signal from Lord Nelson that England expected every man to do his duty.”
Of the actual battle, he kept his entries brief and clinical.
He wrote: “12.08: commenced fire on the enemy. 12.10: Cut the stern of a Spanish 80-gun ship.
“1.30: Heavy fire on both sides. Our ship became totally unmanageable. Most of the sails and rigging being cut away.
“3.15: One of our ships passed our bow and took the fire of an enemy’s ship. 3.25: The Swiftsure passed our stern and cheered us.” Describing the end of battle, which claimed 449 British fatalities, including Nelson, he wrote: “The action ceased. People were employed securing the guns, cleaning and pumping ship. Strong gales and squally at the end.”
The Belleisle was second into battle, closely following the flagship HMS Royal Sovereign into enemy lines, and in the very thick of the action, at one time firing at the Fougueux and the Santa Ana simultaneously.
Despite capturing the Argonauta, the Belleisle was eventually dismasted with 33 dead and 93 wounded, but kept flying her flag for 45 minutes until other vessels came to her rescue.
Hargood, the son of a humble purser, survived the battle and was later made an admiral to cap a distinguished naval career.
The log, dated October 21 1805 and verified by the National Manuscripts department at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, will be auctioned later this month and is expected to fetch £800.
Posted by Drew458
on 07/02/2008 at 02:47 PM
Filed Under: • History • UK • War-Stories •
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