Admiral Horatio Nelson - The Trafalgar Campaign (Part 3)

A look at the most pinnacle of Nelson's career, covering the Trafalgar campaign from the beginning through to the moments before battle.
Part 1 here: • Admiral Horatio Nelson...
Part 2 here: • Admiral Horatio Nelson...
With thanks to:
National Museum of the Royal Navy - www.historicdockyard.co.uk/
HMS Victory's current 'Big Repair' - bit.ly/3MzHifH
Matt Easton (Scholagladiotoria) - / scholagladiatoria
The Trafalgar Gun Company - www.trafalgarguncompany.com/ / trafalgargun
Want to support the channel? - / drachinifel
Want a shirt/mug/hoodie - shop.spreadshirt.com/drachini...
Want a medal? - www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Drachinifel
Want to talk about ships? / discord
Want to get some books? www.amazon.co.uk/shop/drachinifel
Drydock Episodes in podcast format - / user-21912004

[@Drachinifel]

Pinned post for Q&A :)

[@nozdormu89]

Q&A: If you could pick any British admiral from the time period the channel covers to command the Battle of Trafalgar besides Nelson, who would you pick? And do you think it would it turn out as it did under a different Admiral?

[@brendonbewersdorf986]

Who would you say is one of the better non British age of sail commanders? Any particular stand outs?

[@alexjolin2589]

Finally part 1 is what made me find the channel 🎉

[@Cbabilon675]

To some people this may sound like a ridiculous question, but as somebody who does not understand, and I have a 13-year-old son who is also interested knowing I'm going to ask. My question is why round cannonballs? Could they not have produced Square Cannon and therefore Square Cannon shot so that there was a lease chance of it rolling around in bad weather or during action?

[@derrickstorm6976]

​@@Cbabilon675 a delicious question. Children truly are wonderful, glad yours is so inquisitive :)

[@Big_E_Soul_Fragment]

-Dolphins are returning to Italy -Japanese torpedo boats are being sighted on Europe once again -Drach uploads part 3 of the Admiral Nelson series Nature is finally healing

[@historytank5673]

Lol 😂

[@liveseldiesel2628]

i love it i just cant tell u a man or woman i dont care ima turk both work for me

[@bkjeong4302]

Lmao at the second one

[@jimtalbott9535]

Green Abrahms are sprouting in Eastern Europe again - nature is healing.

[@jakobbrinkberg4846]

Just to be that guy, but one is a training vessel (JS Kashima (TV-3508)) and the other is a guided missile destroyer (JS Shimakaze (DDG-172)). But they do both have torpedoes and that is probably enough for the Kamchatka. :)

[@cartmann94]

At last, we conclude the saga of Nelson, the greatest frigate in the history of the British Navy.

[@hojoj.1974]

That would be the Lydia, under Hornblower.

[@shittinontheceiling3474]

The best frigate of his time, so.e mught say

[@terrylong8894]

And how he transcended his physical form and became a naval victory.

[@alanwilliams4443]

Wait, frigate? Thought a BB

[@Danish_raven]

@@alanwilliams4443 its a joke based on the name of episode 1 "From Boy to Frigate"

[@gurk_the_magnificent9008]

"Guess we should have let him go duel the Admiral." - some French officer in October 1805

[@richmcgee434]

"Hurled his spyglass at the flagship..." Somewhere in the afterworld, the man's drinking with Rozhestvensky. :)

[@jonathanhill4892]

@@richmcgee434 But I bet the Russian didn't have a wig to throw as well!

[@richmcgee434]

@@jonathanhill4892 No, he was just tearing his actual hair out. :)

[@jonathanhill4892]

@@richmcgee434 Could well be:)

[@richmcgee434]

@@jonathanhill4892 The Kamchatka alone was enough to leave any commander bald as an eggshell.

[@philosopherunknown1292]

H.M.S. Malta, “I’m not trapped in the fog with you lot, you’re all trapped in here with me, lads!

[@Wolf-Wolfman]

They should have renamed her H.M.S Mad Lad

[@falloutghoul1]

I love how Villneuve's plan went from "complex" to "labyrinthian".

[@jimtalbott9535]

“Hurled his telescope, and then his wig….” Tell me, did he have any family in the Russian navy?

[@richmcgee434]

That was my first thought as well. :)

[@jasondouglas6755]

@@richmcgee434 me too

[@dersaegefisch]

Yes! Even the reason for him being mad are similar. For one it was a supply ship sighting imaginary torpedo boats. For the other one it was an Admiral seeing imaginary Nelson's chasing him around. You can just imagine him panically signaling to the captains under his command: "You see Nelson's boats?!"

[@JonatasAdoM]

@der Sägefisch [Sees one ship] "IT'S NELSON, THE WHOLE FLEET IS CLOSING ON US! WE'RE SURROUNDED!!!"

[@dersaegefisch]

@@JonatasAdoM proceeds to shoot up a bunch of Spanish fishing boats. Or at least try to.

[@tobiasGR3Y]

It's been 84 years and Part 3 is finally here! *Now... I just gotta go back and rewatch the other two for context again.*

[@davidbrennan660]

HMS Victory has had two refits in between the episodes ......... KZbin is hell.

[@user-lv7ph7hs7l]

​@@defective6811 Her 32 pounders had never been fired.

[@trafalgargun5079]

A pleasure to work with you! For anyone who is interested in exploring more about the gunnery we have a video on the subject: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYWxaIh7p7GJobM

[@Simon_Nonymous]

Subscribed chaps - if you weren't 6 hours drive away I'd sign up as an unpaid volunteer. Love what you do!

[@lawrencehudson9939]

I was wondering about the sub-calibering of the 32 pounder. is there some regulation that prevents firing a gun as large or is it pure economics that the powder expended would be prohibitively expensive?

[@camenbert5837]

Given that the wadding etc is still expelled from the gun, it's probably to do with safety distances?

[@Eboreg2]

You know... I've always blasted the IJN for their "Napoleon at Sea" tactics but I didn't realize even Napoleon used "Napoleon at Sea" tactics.

[@gregorywright4918]

You mean the "extremely complicated plan with lots of split-up forces that requires split-second timing and inhuman dedication"?

[@Eboreg2]

@@gregorywright4918 I'm more talking about "splitting up forces to transit to the battle area and combining them when battle starts".

[@mnxs]

​@@Eboreg2You've gotta admit, the other definition works just as well.

[@jona.scholt4362]

It was awesome to see both carriers in the background when Drach and Matt were on the deck

[@maxkennedy8075]

Confidence in a close in fight during the age of sail is utterly key, when everything is being done by muscle power a good crew is more than a good crew, its almost equivalent to a steel and steam warship with clean boilers, quality coal/bunker oil, a state of the art comms suite, top end hydraulics and more since all this in a sail ship is done by your ratings and their officers French timidity and defeatism, infuriating to the captains of the French ships certainly trickled down to lower ranked officers and men. When you have no faith in your leadership you’re much more likely to strike your colours when your broadside to broadside Compare that to Nelson who at this point was a living legend of the RN, when he said “I’m going to defy naval tradition and just run right at them” his captains were hanging off his every word, both parties had total confidence in each other. Thats leadership

[@henryherold4515]

Seeing the Trafalgar Gun Company in action was super cool, and answered a lot of my questions about age of sail gunnery in ways that written or spoken descriptions never have been able to. Seeing it happen just makes everything clearer. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.

[@rebbeccadickson6099]

"MAKE ME MASTER OF THE CHANNEL FOR 6 HOURS AND ILL BE MASTER OF EUROPE" - Napoleon "Not today short man" - Some British admiral

[@Alouises]

I can hear Rod Steiger shouting that. Now I need to go and re-watch Waterloo.

[@sugarnads]

Captain Pellew no doubt

[@keab42]

I initially read this and assumed "the channel" referred to Drach's KZbin channel 😅

[@andrewfanner2245]

"I do not say they cannot come, I only say they cannot come by sea", Lord St Vincent

[@Simon_Nonymous]

1940 - "Not today short man with tache"

[@kemarisite]

The description of Villeneuve's Nelson fixation reminds me of the Japanese before the Battle of Leyte Gulf. They set out with faith in Divine Providence, or, as another officer phrased it, with faith in total annihilation. (Paraphrased from Hastings' "Retribution".)

[@hmsrenown7801]

*Drach uploads part 3 of Nelson's Saga* Finally my collection is complete

[@JonatasAdoM]

Whoever asked for a video on Nelson deserves a plaque. So much information and knowledge. We often only hear about the big battles.

[@christopher5723]

Regarding the comment about the gun crew's entire focus being on gun drill, a more modern example of this would be the Boy (1st Class) Jack Cornwell at Jutland though mortally wounded his default reaction was to pick himself up and return to his position to continue serving his gun.

[@ottomeineke9230]

Good morning all. Been looking forward to this👍

[@michaelamos4651]

Just to note that the Victory has now been repainted in the colour scheme historians believe to be closer to the time of Trafalgar rather than the deeper yellow previously seen . Great video

[@roadrunner6224]

Finally, I've watched the other episodes atleast a dozen times by now. Thank you Drach

[@shaider1982]

interesting, Nelson's closest counterpart in Korea,Admiral Yi, was also killed via small arms fire (I think Japanese arquebus in this case).

[@Tom_Cruise_Missile]

Admiral Yi is an interesting case of an Asian Admiral awesome enough that Europeans/Americans know about him. Besides him I can think of pretty much only Yamamoto and Nagumo (and not for any good reasons) and that's because they were our direct enemies.

[@bkjeong4302]

You should add Michael De Ruyter as another top-notch Admiral who was KIA in his last victory, albeit not by small arms fire.

[@donsambo5488]

".....is underselling it considerably." Love it.

[@jeg5gom]

Wind noise on a sailing ship??!?!??!!!? Outrageous!! Great video 👍👍🇺🇲🤝🇬🇧

[@kumaflamewar6524]

Even 2 years ago when this series started i wouldn't have imagined that Drach would be filming his material ON HMS Victory. its amazing the access a dedicated educator can get these days, and the things they can show us from halfway across the planet. thanks for all your hard work Drach.

[@conspiracyscholor7866]

Lmao your profile pic. You do realize that gayness was outlawed in the USSR and pretty much all the communist leaders of the 20th century were extremely racist, right?

[@MM22966]

Having HMS Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales in the background is a nice touch.

[@alessandrocarrera5569]

I watched the Nelson video yesterday and spent like 4 hours looking for the third part

[@SynchroScore]

The small battery of sixteen guns, which in another video they said was used for performances of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, reminds me of another performance using real guns. Usually during Labor Day weekend, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, during their summer residency at Ravinia Park, will also perform that piece. There is somebody who provides a battery of Lyle Guns, which are short-barreled muzzle-loading guns, 2.5 inch smooth bore, developed by the United States Life-Saving Service (now part of the Coast Guard) to fire rescue lines. I've been to one of those performances and it's a lot of fun.

[@MravacKid]

52:32 A wild Drach appears, attracted by the blast and gunsmoke produced by the cannon... :)

[@Shadooe]

Drinking a Lambs Navy 1:4 with water, watching part 3 of the Nelson series, and thoroughly enjoying both.

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

The prophesied day has come, the great speaker of Nelson’s saga has returned.

[@Antigonus.]

I really enjoyed the section with Matt Easton because it got Drach answering the kind of questions I have and really explaining things to a lay audience.

[@cliffbowls]

You know you’re good when the most replayed section is the start of the video, people (myself included) are starting over and listening again because there’s so much info and it’s so interesting

[@jackdutfield6096]

It may have taken two years, but blessed be the day it arrived

[@admiraltiberius1989]

Wednesday with Drach is always special for sure.

[@freeholdtacticalmed]

Loved the Monty python photo clip discussing Spain (“Nobody survives the Spanish Inquisition”)…

[@m.streicher8286]

I've actually been waiting 2 years for this, let's go

[@JamesLaserpimpWalsh]

Nice work getting both new carriers AND Victory in the same shot. Good work sir.

[@jona.scholt4362]

Awesome to see Matt Easton pop up in another video!

[@chrisgregory7131]

"Villeneuve was convinced that to fight Nelson was to lose"... I mean, he wasn't wrong!

[@just_mart7345]

Was refreshing yt to look for something to watch, very delighted to see this pop up.

[@AdmRose]

I want to hear the story of the cutter and the schooner that found themselves at the battle of Trafalgar.

[@fisticuffs6767]

It’s here!

[@Simon_Nonymous]

This has been a most excellent video, despite me taking two days to enjoy its full goodness. Good to see Matt and his expertise, love the Trafalgar Gun lads too. Thank you Drach - it was worth the wait. One more day to Trafalgar Day - we always celebrated it at my school in Newcastle as one of its old boys was a certain Cuthbert Collingwood.

[@adrianrutterford762]

Thanks Drac. The final chapter of the story of The Norfolk Hero.

[@shoominati23]

A quote of Nelson's was : "Don't worry about manouveurs, just go right at them" It wasn't clear if he was talking about Naval Warfare or the business of dating the opposite sex at the time , though..

[@rockyblacksmith]

Probably both.

[@christopherschafer4503]

Fantastic! Made my morning, on to coffee!

[@jefferynelson]

Drachinifel, thank you for the work you put into the channel. Your audience appreciates you.

[@superninjaraidingman]

great lighting in that ship can see really clearly

[@bjrnmagnusson5351]

Thank you, kind sir. I am now complete.

[@JasperKlijndijk]

I would love to watch more content about the anglo- Dutch wars!

[@jonathanstrong4812]

good thinking!

[@wardaddyindustries4348]

Holy shit I just rewatched 1 and 2 last night to refresh hoping this would come out soon.. can't wait but I must I'm at work.

[@ditzydoo4378]

Horatio, Horatio... wherefore art thou dear Horatio?? wonderful to see the this return of my fav British Captain come Admiral.

[@JonathanLundkvist]

Sweet, the new audio book version of Hornblower is out!

[@jochenheiden]

I was just thinking about when we were getting part 3. I guess today!

[@777poco]

I had never heard of the HMS St. Lawrence. I have learned more about history from following KZbin channels such as yours than any history school books, thank you.

[@theodoreroberson6676]

This is my first post on youtube and I can't say how excited I was to see part three this morning, Thank you!

[@watchface6836]

I cant wait for a video on Trafalgar. It'll be great.

[@hampshireoak]

Victory is still available for thorough tours including below decks. She is in dry dock at Portsmouth naval base. I have been on board several times and never tire of these visits. I have a good sized lump of Victory’s inner hull, my father was industrial nurse at the dockyard in the 1960s when repair work was being done and my piece had been thrown in the rubbish skip.

[@cathyharrop3348]

That was most illuminating, thanks very much.

[@s1nb4d59]

Pre dreadnought and the age of sail are my two fave eras.

[@thomilsvlog4544]

1:17:00 Am I the only one fascinated by the contrast of HMS Victory, one of the most powerful Royal Navy ships of her time, having the two QE class carriers, her modern day counterparts, in the background?

[@josephpicogna6348]

While I have enjoyed every program, this is my immediate favorite.

[@jonathanbaron-crangle5093]

Good god, this should be on the big screen, Drach, it's long enough. Not complaining, HELL NO, you're doing great work. I feel so much more educated about the great admiral Nelson, TYVM good ser

[@chameleon9717]

I’ve been waiting for this! Thank you!

[@philliprandle9075]

What a great day, part three is here after a long long wait! Great video keep up the work.

[@alcoholfree6381]

Admiral Nelson is indeed both human and Superman. He had a younger woman who apparently loved and care for; they got to spend a mere 25 days at a wonderful mansion he owned, before he left for the last battle of his life. He is very fortunate to have found a woman that doted on him! I wish my wife of 48 years had loved me that much. Admiral Nelson was also blessed to get such useful insights to insure the British victory at Trafalgar! It would have been easier to follow SOP.

[@agesflow6815]

Thank you, Drachinifel.

[@forestflame172]

2 year wait is over!!

[@Smallgrayandfurry]

Fantastic work, can't wait for the next part

[@roadrunner6224]

Seeing the miss chanced is my new favourite expression

[@seanbryan4833]

I've been on the field at American Civil War reenactments when there was a 24 pounder on the field. When it fired about 1/8 of a mile away you could feel the pressure wave.

[@blacksmithpanzer4517]

Finally! I have been waiting for this for so long!

[@GlorfindelofGondolin]

Outstanding video, Drach!

[@B1900pilot]

He was no less fallible than any other man, however, he was one of the greatest combat leaders in Naval history. Greatly admired for his physical courage, patriotism and humanity...

[@bkjeong4302]

Everyone has been waiting for this video.

[@davegoodridge8352]

Very informative. Thank you for making this video.

[@2Links]

Can't belive Drach finished the Nelson series haha

[@gregorywright4918]

Not quite...

[@finoxb944]

I do hope you make a playlist for this series, I had missed the first two and had some issues finding the other. Great work as always.

[@jonathangillbanks4378]

Terrific vid Drach and thank you so much for the chat with Matt of the Trafalgar gun crew. Its the first time Ive heard anything about real world gunnery tactics and considerations of that time from someone who clearly knows his stuff . An absolute eye opener and documentary gold

[@dmcarpenter2470]

Drach, I thoroughly enjoyed this vid. The Trafalgar Gun Company segment brought back fond memories of crewing a 3# field piece.

[@icantseethis]

Nice footage on the business end of the guns. Real bruv moment.

[@Chu2byouBoy]

Finally part 3, I waited ages for this ^^

[@hugod2000]

Thank you for your great quality videos. They bring pleasure to many peoples life, Like fentanyl, only milder and less deadly.

[@WildBillCox13]

"Nelson was taking on water . . ." Bad show. Man the pumps!

[@bjorntrollgesicht1144]

HMS Victory! Real gunnery! Matt Easton! Plus not one, but two inconspicuous carriers in the background! This really shows what the battle of Trafalgar is to the British. Tell us more!

[@williamharvey8895]

I could almost smell the powder during that rolling broadside

[@davidharner5865]

Yaaaay! Thank you!

[@strydyrhellzrydyr1345]

Whoaaa.. nice... Finally another long video... Thanx Drach

[@Bierstadt54]

Good video. Looking forward to Part 4... many years from now.

[@incorrectbeans]

I feel like the artist of that painting in the thumbnail left out a few vital parts.

Very interesting Video jam packed with great colabs ! :)

[@fenman1954]

Enjoyable and informative as usual

[@coldburn9956]

Yay I’m so happy! I was just rewatched part one and two last night. What luck to have part 3 out today!

[@generalbanastretarleton6578]

Just finished watching this three part documentary. Absolutely fantastic thoroughly enjoyed it. Also as a video suggestion for HMS Manchester or HMS Liverpool. Thank you for these videos great stuff keep it up

[@jonathanhill4892]

I'm sure someone has already said it - but I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition.

[@rollandchapin5308]

I love history , So I love your passion for history

[@nickmcgookin247]

Ty I thought I missed it or you named it something else but this makes sense thank you

[@GeneraI_Motors]

IVE WAITED SO LONG FOR THIS

[@slartybartfarst55]

Excited for part 4!