Nelson & His World

Admiral Gambier was known as 'Dismal Jimmy' because of his lugubrious Evangelical faith.

Lord Howe was known as 'Black Dick' - a quick 'Google' gives two possible reasons - his swarthy complexion or his saturnine nature: he was said 'never to smile except when there was a battle ahead.'

The sailors called Collingwood 'Old Cuddy' and St Vincent 'Old Jarvie.'

There must be other seamen who acquired nicknames. Did Nelson?

Well Hardy called Nelson 'Old Nelson', but that hardly qualifies.

Cornwallis had several nicknames: "Billy go tight", "Billy Blue", "Coachee" and "Mr Whip".

Admiral Byron was known as "Foul Weather Jack" on account of constant misfortune with the weather.

... And Nelson called Hardy 'the Ghost.'

Then from onshore there's Baron Crocodile, Prince Victory, Viscount Pyramid etc., etc. Giddy, but perhaps calculated to raise a smile from a disappointed Baron.

I read somewhere that Nelson was called “Little Nellie”, but I cannot remember in which book that was. (I have read so many). Although he was of an average height for a man in his time. Perhaps the “Little” part of that nickname was meant for him being slight of build.
Sylvia

Captain John Willett Payne (who went through all that awful weather trying to transport Caroline of Brunswick to England for her marriage) was referred to by the Prince of Wales in a letter as 'Little Jacko".

Cochrane was known to the French as 'The Sea Wolf,' a hard nickname to beat!

and I believe Nelson called Sir Sydney Smith the "Swedish Knight" !-t

Sir Sidney Smith was called by this epithet by many officers in the RN, very likely by those who didn't particularly like him, for a very good reason.

He had applied successfully to serve in the Swedish navy and was present at the Battle of Svenksund in 1790, fought against the Russians, and where I believe he took command of the Swedish inshore squadron. The Russians were defeated and Smith was awarded the Swedish Knighthood of the Sword. When he returned to Britain, the King allowed him to wear the insignia and use the title, much as he did with Nelson and his decorations.

Kester

I mentioned Admiral Sir Richard Strachan on the thread 'A Present from the Admiral.'

His wiki entry notes that 'he became famous for his ungovernable temper and violent cursing. This eventually earned him the nickname 'Mad Dick' among his men, but he remained a popular and sought-after commander.' His bark worse than his bite, maybe.

Incidentally, Strachan is a not unusual name in the north east of Scotland where I lived for a time, and where it is pronounced 'Strawn'.

I think this pronounciation must have been general at the time, remember the rhyme about the Walcheran Expedition

"Great Chatham with his sabre drawn
Stood waiting for Sir Richard Strachan.
Sir Richard Strachan, keen to be sat 'em
Was waiting for the Earl of Chatham"

Brian