Nelson & His World

Today, of course, is Trafalgar Day, the anniversary of Nelson's death and his last victory.

Let us remember him today, and 'all who fell with him'.

Anna,

I shall, of course, be thinking of that day, and will drink a toast.

The second part of the toast, 'and all who fell with him' was the original wording, but somehow was dropped – I don't know when. Of course then it probably referred to the British killed, but I think today is used in reference to all those killed in both fleets. It was reinstated, I think in 2005, and is now I believe the one used. I hope the Nelson Society will use it at their Trafalgar Night Dinner, this coming Saturday.

There is a full gun Salute here in Malta at the Upper Barraka Gardens, Valletta, this evening at 5.30pm local.
As I am sure many are aware many Maltese served on Nelsons ships at the Battle of Trafalgar. There were certainly a number on the Victory on the day.
So possibly a fitting tribute to them from here.

Stephen,

That's good to hear, literally!

Will you be going, perhaps you can post a report?

Today might be a good day to watch this:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/em ... lgar.shtml

There are also some good articles.

Many thanks for that, Kester!

Perhaps this is a good day, too, to mention Tony's ancestor, Captain Charles Mansfield of the Minotaur. The book about Sir Eliab Harvey which I mention on another thread, describes the counter-attack by the French:

'It fell chiefly to Ajax, Agamemnon, Minotaur and Spartiate to fend off Dumanoir's counter-attack, which they did with great effect.'

Tony, I have taken the liberty of copying from your website http://www.minotaur.org/trafalgar.htm Captain Mansfield's address to his ship's company 204 years ago today:


An hour before the battle, Captain Mansfield mustered the ships company and spoke to them as follows:

Men, we are now in the sight of the enemy whom there is every probability of engaging; and I trust that this day, or tomorrow, will prove the most glorious our country ever saw. I shall say nothing to you of courage: our country never produced a coward. For my own part I pledge myself to the officers and ship’s company not to quit the ship I may get alongside of till either she strikes or sinks – or I sink. I have only to recommend silence and strict attention to the orders of your officers. Be careful to take good aim, for it is to no purpose to throw shot away. You will now, every man, repair to your respective stations, and depend, I will bring the ship into action as soon as possible.

God save the King!

There is also on Tony's website a fuller description of Minotaur's role in repelling the counter-attack.

Kester,
I will be watching it from my roof and through a telescope in about fifteen minutes. Then Splicing the Main Brace at 6pm with friends.
Will be listening to Charles Dance's Norfolk accent on Audio! then Tim Clayton and Phil Craigs Trafalgar to keep one in the picture.
Good traditional Naval fare is on the menu tonight, cooking of course with glazed Gammon Steaks, washed down with good Sicilian Wine, Rum Ba,Ba, cheese and of course that Port. Should round off a merry evening with tomorrows forcast of a heavy storm here and no doub't remembering what those crews went through after the Battle.

Remember Nelson,

Cheers

Stephen,

I hope you enjoyed the gun salute!

I also hope you enjoy the Dinner, in about, erm, thirteen minutes! I wish I was there!

Proceedings in Malta sound most impressive - Can we all pay you a visit next year, Stephen?

Thanks for mentioning Mansfield, Anna. As well as the Immortal Memory toast to Nelson and all those who fell with him, we will have another toast to all those who served with him.

Have not quite closed the hatches here yet, as next Sunday 25th October, will be the 200th Anniversary of the death of one of Nelsons Band of Brothers, Sir Alexander John Ball. Another celebration of his life in store here.