Admiral Horatio Nelson - Battle of Trafalgar

The Battle of Trafalgar, fought on the 21st October in 1805, is probably the greatest, and certainly the most famous, British naval victory of all time.
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The victory by the brilliant maverick, Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, prevented Napoleons desired invasion of Britain and, in the long term, gave Britain command of the world's oceans undisputed global dominance for the 19th century.
The battle of Trafalgar was fought during the Napoleonic Wars between the Royal Navy and the combined fleets of France and their ally, Spain.
𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨 𝐍𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐧
Horatio Nelson was already a national hero as one of Britain's most maverick , arguably her most successful, and certainly her most aggressive naval commander.
The two fleets met off the coast of Cape Trafalgar, south west Spain, on the 21st October 1805.
The Franco-Spanish fleet consisted of 33 ships of the line (23 of them French) as well as 7 smaller frigates.
Meanwhile Nelson's fleet consisted of 27 ships of the line.
At 11:48am Nelson ordered a message to be flown to the fleet:
"England expects that every man will do his duty".
And then he personally led the attack from his flagship, HMS Victory.
As he paced the deck of HMS Victory with Hardy, Nelson was fatally struck by a musket ball shot from a sniper in the rigging of the Redoubtable.
As he lay dying, Nelson was constantly brought news of the battle's progress.
By 4:30pm he was told the result of the battle. 19 French & Spanish battleships sunk or captured for the loss of not a single Royal Navy ship.
Britain's naval hero gasped:
"Now I am satisfied. Thank God I have done my duty."
Nelsons body was preserved in a barrel of brandy and brought home to England.
There in January 1806 he was given a full state funeral at St. Cathedral.
His tomb lies alongside the Duke of Wellington (victor at Waterloo) in the crypt and is open to the public.
The Battle of Trafalgar is regarded as Britains greatest naval victory.
But despite this victory, Napoleon continued to hold power in France and was still master of mainland Europe.
In the end, Napoleon was defeated on land at Waterloo.
The greatest impact of the victory at Trafalgar was that Britain swept the oceans clear of any rivals for a century.
This dominance and her pole position in the industrial revolution enabled Britain to build an empire that encompassed a quarter of the world's population and become the super power of the 19th century.
If you want to learn more about British history then get my free introduction and timeline at www.thehistorychap.com
FAQ
When was the Battle of Trafalgar?
21 October 1805
Who was the Battle of Trafalgar between?
The British Royal Navy and the combined fleets of France & Spain.
Who won?
The British under Admiral Nelson, who was mortally wounded.
Chapters
0:00 Napoleon thwarted at sea
1:40 The tide turns
4:00 Horation Nelson
5:20 Rival Fleets
6:39 Nelson's plan
8:41 Cuthbert Collingwood
9:18 French fleet sighted
9:53 Nelson's signal
10:43 HMS Royal Sovereign attacks
11:32 HMS Victory attacks
12:05 Death of Nelson
13:35 Nelson's Last Triumph
15:50 Impact of Battle of Trafalgar
#battleoftrafalgar #thebattleoftrafalgar #napoleonicwars #nelson #napoleon #royalnavy #admiralnelson #horationelson #napoleonbonaparte #britisharmedforces #maritimehistory #britishhistory #britishempire #onthisdayinhistory
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My name is Chris Green ("The History Chap") and I am on a mission to share the amazing history of Britain so that we can appreciate where we have come from and why we are here.
History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or KZbin animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.
My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: "Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!"
Just for the record, I do have a history degree and continue to have a passion for the subject I studied.
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.

[@charlesmaximus9161]

One of the greatest Englishman that ever lived. A true patriot.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for commenting.

[@johnbuxton6009]

Shame history isn't taught with so much Passion in our schools. Thank you for all the hard work you do. 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@alexsexton469]

The Franklin Expedition would be a great one

[@Alfonzridesagain]

Being British, I've read and heard descriptions of the Battle of Trafalgar many, many times but never quite so engagingly (or succinctly - just 16 mins to cover a huge amount of ground!) Do keep it up Chris

[@darrenmarsh8830]

He made it easy to visualise , most commendable.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@tedgreen6]

@darrenmarsh8830 I felt as though I was there.

[@grzzz2287]

I can listen to the narrative of Trafalgar over and over again. Splendid work Chris! I visited Portsmouth Historic Dockyard only last week, and was fortunate to tag along with a group of US Navy cadets who were in turn being guided by a RN Petty Officer, who gave an incredible commentary.

[@jamesbinns8528]

I'm in the process of putting trip together myself (U.S.) and when I was in Portsmouth in 2013, I did not know about the dockyard. I went to see the D-day museum and the Portsmouth Tapestry (I highly recommend it!). I had already made reservations and could not stay. I love visiting UK.

[@grzzz2287]

@@jamesbinns8528 Victory is part way through a 20 year restoration programme, but don't let that put you off. Buy a premium explorer ticket and spend a couple of days there, there's an incredible number of exhibits to visit

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@davidnewzealand6807]

Was lucky enough to visit Portsmouth Naval Docks, during the 200th anniversary celebrations. Saw Nelson’s full uniform on display. Musket ball hole and blood soaked stockings.! They also had laid out Victory’s main topsail. Cannon ball holes and tears, bear witness to the ferocity of battle. Absolutely amazing. Thanks for the video Chris. Excellent presentation and informative as ever. 👍

[@jjs3287]

Wow, would liked to have seen that. Visited Portsmouth with my primary school in the 1970s and took my young family there about 20 years ago. Another visit is long overdue.

[@davidnewzealand6807]

@@jjs3287 Been on Victory about 6 times in My lifetime.! Always makes me excited.? Being an Englishman, I love my history of our great country.! Rule Britannia.! ❤️

[@stuartmcpherson1921]

Saw a pic of that sail a couple of days ago. If all sails had similar damage the Victory's speed would have been reduced a lot with the light winds at that time.

[@davidnewzealand6807]

@@stuartmcpherson1921 yeah Stuart, it was pretty damaged as you would have expected. Amazing to see up close.

[@mikewalrus4763]

@@jjs3287 I believe the aforementioned tops'l is still on view and now has it's own loft! Or it did a while back last time I visited

[@leonidaslantz5249]

Battle of the Nile would be very interesting. Excellent video on Nelson.Thank you!

[@johngalt2506]

Second that!

[@sonarmb]

Third

[@TheHistoryChap]

Will add to my list

[@karenparle4955]

Battle of the Nile was a great victory for the British the French never stood a chance. Napoleon had a bust of Nelson on his dressing table and that was after the battle of trafalger he admired Nelson of the Nile

[@MarkCsevensixtwo]

Anything with Thomas Cochrane taking part is more often than not, a great victory for the navy of whoever has given him command of a warship. He's the Royal Navy's often overlooked hero and genius.

[@Matelot123]

He did have a shore base named after him though! :)

[@aslanthebear3216]

He was amazing it was a shame he got involved with the radicals as an MP....it ruined his reputation in England

[@johnhealy6676]

I have read the magnificent naval books by Patrick O’Brien are based on Cochrane’s exploits If correct I would place him above Nelson as the greatest British naval commander of all time

[@mikewalrus4763]

@@Matelot123 Aye, a wee yin, unlike Nelson who had a Batleship AND a shore base (some say THE shore base) named after him!

[@mikewalrus4763]

@@johnhealy6676 In small ship engagements he probably was but too much of a Maverick to control larger engagements that Nelson, Pellew and Collingwood could and did! cochranes other disadvantage was that he just couldn't "get on" with the "establishment" - if you don't fit in it doesn't matter who you are fighting for you are not going to get very far!

[@robg5958]

Excellent presentation Chris! I could listen to the story of Trafalgar again and again, stirring stuff. The French still haven't really gotten over it.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Although I notice that they have no problem naming a station Austerlitz 😊

[@colinthomas5462]

Absolutely agree 👍

[@thetinoshow6719]

Fabulous video! I spent a month in England in 93. Frequently visiting Trafalgar Square, and even the Admiral himself were bucketlist items I was able to fulfill in my 20's!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed my video. Thanks for watching.

[@John-ob7dh]

did you go to the National Maritime Museum Greenwich and see his uniform with the musket ball hole in it .?

[@nicholasmorrill4711]

Excellent.........I was sitting under the original Nelson Monument up on Portsdown hill only yesterday......God only knows what he'd make of the state of this Country today!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@fredazcarate4818]

Brilliantly narrated, the action gripping, the outcome not in doubt. Only the combined talents of Nelson and Collingwood could strike true. Thus achieving the total victory of Trafalgar. Once again Sir kudos for producing an outstanding video on the battle

[@TheHistoryChap]

😀

[@richardthompson9836]

Chris, I just had to pull over and watch this fantastic installment. Very well done sir.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Wow, thank you

[@joeritchie4554]

I love it! I never really knew very much about the Battle of Trafalgar, and I learned so much. What a rich, deep, and wonderful military history England has. I am glad that you are letting the world know about this awesome history.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching and for your kind words.

[@Tea_and_Cake]

More people should appreciate Collingwood and we should make more statues of people who contribute to our country in the modern day imo, There are statues of both Nelson and collingwood.

[@nicholasmorrill4711]

People who contribute to our Country today..........I nominate Simon Webb........History Debunked.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing

[@historicinematics]

I live in Simcoe County and it's graced with the names of the battles and admirals

[@davidwhite4874]

@@nicholasmorrill4711 Perhaps they'll put one up of Webb in Tel Aviv........

[@nicholasmorrill4711]

@@davidwhite4874 Don't be ridiculous.He has done more for this Country than you by just calling yourself white.

[@johnellis6462]

in 2017I visited GB and the Victory went thru all decks and spoke to a museum attendant for about 3/4 hr im not a naval person but loved it then was talked into seeing the Mary Rose both Absolutely Incredible thanks for saved history

[@TheHistoryChap]

John, it is my pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@denniswhite9721]

I've read a lot about the Napoleonic land battles, but this was a first with the detail of Trafalgar. To have been in the midst of the battle must have been monumental. Excellent, thanks Chappie!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Dennis, thank you for your kind words.

[@jessebartlett2325]

Hi history chap, I love this topic and this era, The HMS Bellerphon would play a key role in the downfall of Napoleon Bonaparte, 10 years later. It's a shame no one remembers that fact. Plus we would love to hear about Sir Thomas Cochrane and Sir Sidney Smith please. Great video, brimming with such goods info

[@agnostic47]

It's HMS Bellerophon, not THE HMS Bellerophon. Known throughout the fleet as the Billy Ruffian..

[@TheHistoryChap]

I will add to my (ever-growing) list.

[@gunhojput]

Even though being british i have heard about the battle since school way back when and indeed live in nelsons county of birth it was good to hear a Nice enthusiastic report, looking forward to the african queen as i know nothing about that other than the film all best much love to all.

[@TheHistoryChap]

African Queen is still on its way

[@nathanappleby5342]

I must say, the devastating losses sustained by the Franco-Spanish fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar truly reflects the training of the British fleet prior to the battle. I was shocked to find out sailors from other nations including Frenchmen and Spaniards fighting against their own countrymen serving with the British at Trafalgar. It was nice Nelson lived long enough to see his victory completed.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@John-ob7dh]

at the Royal maritime museum there is a quote from the Spanish ambassador around that time .I cannot quite remember what it said , but something like ( was being asked about Brit sailors ) in his opinion most Brit navy sailors were savages. Not sure if that was a compliment or a criticism .?

[@nathanappleby5342]

@@John-ob7dh Either or, very accurate.

[@StevenKeery]

@@John-ob7dh : A Nation of savage shopkeepers, they must have short-changed him. Lol

[@tomallen9179]

Terrific video, many thanks!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching

[@John-ob7dh]

its pretty awesome to stand and look at Nelsons uniform with the musket ball hole in the coat .I visited small graveyard in Gibraltar where some of the Sailors who died at Trafalger are buried.

[@georgebamforth7372]

Been to both of those places and HMS Victory herself and stood at Cape Trafalgar in Spain in 2004, 199 years after The Battle of Trafalgar, just magical!!!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing.

[@davidjonathangudlaugson4768]

This was wonderful. Thank you!

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure.

[@melissaingham5722]

An awesome presentation, thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@allenjohnstone9945]

Thanks for that. Really well done.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

Excellent video thank you for sharing

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@Matelot123]

You have to be the most enthusiastic KZbinr I've seen. Your videos are always full of interesting facts and this with your style of narration and storytelling makes them so interesting. Thank you for this one. Being ex Royal Navy myself i always find the story of the Battle Of Trafalgar fascinating.

[@TheHistoryChap]

So pleased you like it. Thank you for your words of support.

[@nicholasmorrill4711]

I should check out "History Debunked." Some are still trying to rescue this Nation in the present day & age.

[@Matelot123]

@@nicholasmorrill4711 I watch his channel often however I despair at the situations he describes as I think he is merely reporting from the deck of the Titanic.

[@nicholasmorrill4711]

@@Matelot123 Yes it looks that way. The problem is how to organize & fight back?

[@Matelot123]

@@nicholasmorrill4711 Not really possible I think. Too late. Let's just hope they play some epic music as we slip beneath the waves. :)

[@jamesbinns8528]

Wow. That was great. I just recently started reading a a book about Trafalgar. What a lively story teller you are! Thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you. Thanks.

[@christopherseivard8925]

I enjoyed it very much. Thanks!

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure

[@melmoore6885]

I absolutely love the change of pace with this amazing video Chris, great presentation and am eagerly awaiting for your next post.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks is, Mel.

[@duncannapier318]

Awesome awesome video! Thanks for making it 🇿🇦

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thank you for watching.

[@nickmorales8146]

I never get tired of listening to this story of admiral Nelson it's fantastic story and thank you very much for bringing this story your friend Nicholas so Nevada

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure.

[@donlee7028]

Always informative and a delight done with insight ad enthusiasm...thank you for your dedication.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support

[@johnellis7445]

Once again I am on the edge of my seat . Chris thank you very much for your time , passion and energy. With your narration I am transported back in history.

[@TheHistoryChap]

John, thank you for your kind words.

[@toenhev17]

Brilliant! One of my favourite battles, it makes a great story & you narrate one! I can't wait for your next video 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you, Tony.

[@jnick6]

incredible storytelling. I can assure you we are very grateful for lord nelsons sacrifice, a true genius, if only we had him today. thank you from Gibraltar!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Anniversary on Saturday (21st).

[@anthonydanielgittins1864]

I am a proud Norfolk boy and Nelson is my herro. However, Collingwood's contribution to the British Navy is often underestimated. I am also a fan of Wellington. There are many myths with regards to both men They met only once and both were confused as to why they were both kept waiting in the British War Office in Whitehall.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment

[@stevelowe5985]

As always a brilliant explanation, thank you.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed my video

[@mikewalrus4763]

Nicely done Chris - you know I'm starting to like you - good narration and usually well researched!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Mike, thank you for your support.

[@tacraling]

A very enjoyable account of this extraordinary event. Many thanks. 👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@AdmiraltyShipModels]

There is always something new to learn about the Battle of Trafalgar. What a wonderful documentary!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your kind comment.

[@rajhussain9108]

Thanks again Chris, another great history lesson 👍🏼

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed.

[@ralphclarke5030]

I am at Cabo Trafalgar at the moment, thankyou for your brief on this historic event.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. I hope you found it useful.

[@andrewsteele7663]

Thanks, that was brilliant, cheers

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure

[@tedgreen6]

Thrilling storytelling, Chris. You've done a great service to the memory of Nelson and the brave sailors at the Battle of Trafalgar.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure thanks for watching

[@allanchurm]

that was brilliantly explained ..loved the way you did that ( subscribed )

[@TheHistoryChap]

Allan, thanks for your support.

[@stefanluciw8023]

Loved this...Great content..

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@stefanm67]

That was excellent. Thank you. I have subscribed. 😁👍

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support.

[@gerardhogan3]

Chris what a great story. Fantastic context. Great statistics. I enjoy how you pulled together key benefits that contributed to success and how this battle gave 100 years of power on the sea. Youre a great story teller and i absolutely enjoy your stories.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Gerard, thank you for your kind words of support. Please do subscribe to my channel.

[@jamesmorgan2015]

Very good. Thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure.

[@jjs3287]

Captivated by this story! Thanks.

[@TheHistoryChap]

My pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@mshahnazi7636]

Outstanding presentation of the Battle of Trafalgar.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching

[@mshahnazi7636]

@@TheHistoryChap You are welcome. Also glad that you gave deserve credit to Admiral Collingwood which often is not mentioned in the history of the famous battle. Lord Nelson justly deserves most of the credit, however he had very capable and talented officers.

[@michaeldrew64]

I so enjoy your history programs! Thank you. I live in Nelson, New Zealand. The main thoroughfare is Trafalgar Street, there's Trafalgar Square, Park and Collingwood Street and Hardy Street. There a bust in the entrance to the Town Hall ... in fact you could say ... there's a lot of Nelson about the place! But, ask the locals, particularly the youth and many have never heard of The Admiral. It's a shame ... well, I think so. What I was wondering is ... would it be fun if we had your doco running on a perpetual screen in our museum? What do you think?

[@TheHistoryChap]

I have no objections maybe I could produce a bespoke video for you

[@beverleyyoung3895]

Great work!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@ffinybryn]

Such a great victory, the result of which is worth repeating! 15:37

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@wrealini]

Thank you!!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for watching my video

[@welshwarrior5263]

Wow, I love listening to this channel.

[@TheHistoryChap]

That's very kind. Thanks for your support.

[@allanfahrenhorst-jones6118]

Good stuff, keep it up.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your kind words of support.

[@polmick]

Excellent thanks 👏👏

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks.

[@ronaldmcdonald3965]

I learned a lot today. Thanks

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you found it interesting. Thanks for watching

[@knzjvmatc-366]

Well told, sir! Cheers!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks.

[@free_gold4467]

More superb content, I subscribed.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for your support.

[@huffingtonmcneedy6735]

Love you vids mate

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you very much. Appreciated.

[@johnstrae7392]

4:46 This is an amazing painting depicting the 17 y/o Danish navy officer Peter Willemoes who was in charge of 129 person floating battery. The battery was lying adjacent to the Elephant (Admiral Nelson's flagship) for one and a half hours before they had to flee.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing.

[@johnstrae7392]

@@TheHistoryChap Of course! It is my civic duty as a Dane to share as much about the country as possible whenever we are mentioned online.

[@manuelgordillo520]

On July 25, 1797. Admiral Horatio Nelson was defeated in Tenerife, but the Spanish Army. The UK vessels were destroyed by powerful canons located in strategic sites at the cost. His vessel was destroyed and he lost his right arm. After giving up Nelson received care from Spanish doctors. It took several months to get over. From then. There are strong ties between Tenerife and England that still remain. Don't forget this action. Nelson gave his flag away to the Spanish Army. You can see this Flag in the Army museum in Santa Cruz de TEnerife

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing

[@manuelgordillo520]

I take advantage because I have lived in Tenerife my lifetime. British documentaries sometimes tell us " their history", not the real History. I can understand. When I was a child, was taught history...The Spanish version, later I have been teaching by brits, Frenchs and Germans...it is absolutely hilarious. Spain teaches history from Earth, Brits from Mars, and french about Venus.

[@davidwhite4874]

@@manuelgordillo520 Haha! Yes! As a Brit, and one who travelled widely in his youth, I heard many differing versions of history to the one I had been taught at school. We are all products of our local propaganda.

[@patrickbarrett5650]

This narration was superb. I have been engrossed by books on the subject and your approach would have made a brilliant audiobook. Well done. 👏🏻

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks for your kind comment.

[@harryshriver6223]

A wonderful narration of the battle of Trafalgar, perhaps the greatest English Naval victory of all time oh, well maybe but the battle of the Atlantic ranks a very very close second. I truly enjoyed listening to you creating all the visual images of the battle. Gracias amigo y nos vemos pronto.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Again it looks s a different battle to either The Nile or Copenhagen

[@tomtaylor6163]

I’m a US Navy Veteran . Would love to see something about our Hero John Paul Jones. After all, Jones was actually a British subject like many of our Ancestors

[@TheHistoryChap]

Tom, that's a great idea. Might even do a history trip to Whitehaven, the only port in britian ever attacked by the Americans.

[@davidsheriff8989]

Great narration with pics...

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@MrRnipperBrockleBroadcasting]

Two of my ancestors were gunners at Trafalgar, one transferring with Captain Hardy from his previous command to HMS Victory, both surviving this battle

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for sharing your family story

[@gleniu2]

Best video on the battle I've watched.

[@TheHistoryChap]

very kind of you. Thanks.

[@montgomeryduncan7278]

Really love these videos, would be very interested in hearing more about admiral Duncan and the battle of camperdown.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you are enjoying. Will add Duncan to my ever-growing list.

[@Weareeverything2023]

It would be great to hear a commentary on the battle of Cape St Vincent, also by Nelson.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Its on the cards.

[@AllThingsCubey]

What amazes me most is the seamanship to hit BOTH Spanish and French flagships with the opening broadsides of the battle, and stern-rakes of both, using 1st rates, nonetheless. Absolutely surgical execution of the plan, using notoriously ungainly ships. Unbelievable effort.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you and I’m glad you found it interesting

[@mickmcknight162]

That was brilliantly described; very interesting.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@bullettube9863]

What always amazed me about Nelson was that despite the lost of an eye and arm he was still quite the lover!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Gives us all hope!

[@alexandermenzies9954]

I'm not quite sure what you do with your eye and arm..

[@bullettube9863]

@@alexandermenzies9954 Good question!

[@John-ob7dh]

but the nation never looked after his widow , and his daughter ( Horatia) did not live a long life. there was quite a society scandal with him in his earlier years.

[@bullettube9863]

@@John-ob7dh Well of course they didn't! Just look at the past 200 years of history. Has any country ever really looked after it's veterans after a war? Okay, yes America had the GI bill after WW2, but then put so many restrictions on it later it is now considered to be a joke. The same old men who push a country into wars never stand up for the young men (and women) after it's over.

[@chrisedwards4403]

Thanks pal, that was great. I’d love to see one about Jutland - that was another big’un.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Jutland should be coming this side of Christmas

[@albertliu1068]

By the way your coverage on India mutiny, Sudan and the Zulu war were very good!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks

[@jamesguitar7384]

More please . Obviously you're good at this .

[@TheHistoryChap]

Very kind of you. Thanks.

[@FredWilbury]

Bloody brilliant.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed.

[@harkening1]

Loved this. While i knew of the battle a concise rendering of the battle and particulars of navy movements, well they just are not presented here in the colony. Thank you. - funny thing, the study of Wellington enticed me until I came to Waterloo and the careful description hit me like a blow to the solar plexus. as though in the retelling you could feel the groaning of the earth at the remembrance. well, I just got another touch of that in this revealing presentation. i suppose a sensitive sort could be smitten by the Gastly nature of war.. but more so in the accurate retelling.

[@AftStrut]

The last time Trafalgar Day was celebrated in St John’s, Newfoundland was on October 21, 1914. In the St. John’s newspaper the Evening Telegram an editorial was devoted to the significance of the event with a full page extract from the issue of the London Times containing the original report on the Death of Nelson and the Victory of Trafalgar. Serving at the battle from Canada, particularity Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, 31 men.

[@TheHistoryChap]

James, thanks for sharing that great story.

[@RedcoatsReturn]

Excellent documentary😊👍👍….what a great man Admiral Nelson was…devotion to duty til his least breath! I shall pay my respects at my next visit to St. Paul’s …and…..to Wellington too 😔 🇬🇧

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for watching.

[@philvanderlaan5942]

Even Richard Sharpe was there . I would like to hear your views on the comparison of history and the novels based on it such as Cornwell’s Richard Sharpe , Pope’s Lord Nickolas Ramage and C.S.Forester’s HornBlower

[@TheHistoryChap]

Well there you go, it was a real event :)

[@golem5809]

Please don't forget Alexander Kent's (Douglas Reeman) hero Richard Bolitho ;-)

[@123452315]

Now that's soldiering...

[@TheMartymar1976]

As a US Sailor, really impressed by this story. we owe lots of our traditions and customs to the British Navy. Nelson was a true life action hero, the greatest Sailor until our Nimitz or Halsey I propose! Well Done!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Jared, thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment.

[@christopherstephens4016]

Nelson had no peers. And he remains THE greatest naval commander the world has ever seen. His fearsome bravery, seamanship, tactics, audacity, and the intense loyalty he engendered in his men have never been matched.

[@archivesoffantasy5560]

@@christopherstephens4016 Yi Sun Shin is the greatest admiral but Nelson is up there as one of the best too.

[@robertquigley2509]

A really excellent account of Trafalgar, thanks! How about a piece on Thomas Cochrane? Napoleon called him "Le Loup des Mers", and he was the inspiration for O'Brian's great fictional character Jack Aubrey.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Great idea, thank you.

[@aaroncanniford9237]

Superb history fella 👏 👌

[@TheHistoryChap]

Many thanks.

[@presterjohn9624]

Good video

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks.

[@oml81mm]

I am glad that you mentioned the fact the French army had been removed from their channel ports and at the time of Trafalgar were in fact at Ulm, and shortly afterwards at Austerlitz. Napoleon had given up on the invasion.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@albertliu1068]

Just a couple of extra interesting points on Nelson. His uncle Captain Suckling was the man who induced Nelson to join the royal navy at the age of 12 with his adventure stories across the seas and Nelson spent his early years trained at Norfolk and that was where he developed his sense on the weather and the sea. Nelson was made an officer at 19 and captain at 21. On the day of Trafalgar, he knew that the wind was slow (blowing at less than 5 knots per hour) and both the Victory and the Royal Sovereign would come under heavy fire before the rest of his ships could bring their guns onto the enemies but he also knew that the risk was worth taking as the French and the Spanish sailors were lousy shot after spending years stuck at port. The other interesting point is that Villeneuve left port with the combined fleet because he learnt that his boss Napoleon had fired him with a new admiral already on his way to replace him so he deliberately took the fleet out with the aim to sail to the Caribbean. Nelson was at home at Merton on holiday spending time with his lover Emma Hamilton a few weeks before Trafalgar. At one of his last evening dinner, he recalled his encounter with a lady fortunate teller back in the early days when he was stationed at the West Indies as a young officer that she told him she could not read his future beyond the year of 1805. Before he left home after receiving the Admiralty signal to rejoin the fleet, he took Emma to his local church and put a ring her wedding finger (the woman he could not marry) before departing. By the way, the famous words 'England expects that every man will do his duty' was originally meant to be ' England confides' but the signal officer pointed out to Nelson that it was quicker and easier to use the world 'Expects' as this needed to be translated into flag signal and hoisted up at the mast head. Nelson agreed and replied 'send it directly' so one of the most famous words in British military history was born!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for contributing such an in-depth post. Always good with my videos inspire others to write in the comments.

[@mfranssens]

Brilliant story, well told.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you very much

[@gordonfrickers5592]

Thank you 'The History Chap' for this presentation, it's always fun and interesting to see and hear you. My French friends refer to this as "la catastrophe de Trafalgar", adding, "but we got Nelson !" A slight grumble, I do appreciate this video is intended as a brief general summary however, this account while very broadly correct is full of inaccuracies which could have been avoided, to many to list here. Actually the Trafalgar story as more accurately revealed on my website 'further reading' pages is even more extraordinary than the more popular accounts ! How do I know? I was honoured to be the 'Official Artist' to HMS Victory during the lengthy preparations for Trafalgar 200. My research took me to may archives, some not open to the general public, in England, France and Spain including as far North as the Liverpool Tate Gallery and as far South as a walk on the beach at Cape Trafalgar. I was privileged to examine many original documents, official accounts, plans including of the ships and the battle, numerous personal letters and so on. I also read and collected over 30 books on this subject including about who and how the men were and lived in both fleets, the comparative technologies and so forth. Some of the books are quite rare now. By comparing the British, French and Spanish records, with the Admiralty Official Report of 1913, an investigation ordered by the King, I was gradually able to discover what most likely really happened. If of interest you can discover my paintings illustrating parts of the story some of which are available and my extensive remarks on my website under warships / Nelson and Trafalgar. If you fancy a chat I'm easy to find via my websites, just search my name. I do admire your lively style of presentation and would be pleased to assist should you think that appropriate.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Gordon thanks for your detailed post and offer to help in future. As it is so hard to keep up with these comments please drop me a line via my website: www.thehistorychap.com

[@lord.onk99]

Great commentary.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you.

[@jonmeek3879]

Really enjoyed, would like more history of Royal Marines too

[@TheHistoryChap]

Will do

[@chrisroberts313]

Keep up the good work 😉

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you

[@rickrudd]

Thanks! Fixed the audio. Look forward to listening.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Great

[@christopherlynch3314]

Well done! I would love some breakdowns and analysis of famous single ship actions.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@MDsteeler1]

Good stuff.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Glad you liked

[@drea7295]

I love the old boats ,such battles are so facinating,I'm not into violence and war really but it just captures your imagination.Pretty large battle .thanks excellent video.

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thanks for that very nice comment

[@gbrinch]

The Description of the storm after the battle is a story human interest!

[@TheHistoryChap]

Thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@georgegoodyear9631]

Another crisp and concise overview of a pivotal moment in the history of this country. I appreciated your concluding comments which stated that victory at Trafalgar, together with the fairly-recent advent of the Industrial Revolution in Britain, allowed for imperial dominance during the nineteenth century. However, do you also think that it also needed the triumph at Waterloo, nearly ten years afterwards, to properly “clinch the deal”?

[@TheHistoryChap]

Waterloo clinched the deal by ending Napoleons dominance. Bit Britain’s dominance was built on trade and the key to trade was dominating the trade routes - I.e. the high seas.