HMS Victory
HMS Victory was floated out of the dock at Chatham, Kent's Royal Dockyard in 1765. Built from over 5,000 British oak trees, She had 104 cannon over three decks and was a First Rate 'Ship of the Line'.
She would gain renown leading the Fleet in the American War of Independence and the French Revolutionary War before Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson (everyone calls him Admiral Nelson but he was in fact a Vice Admiral) took command of her in 1803.
Nelson was already a hero in England but he and the 'Victory' achieved immortality in the History books when Nelson, in command of the British Fleet intercepted the combined Fleets of France and Spain at Cape Trafalgar, off the Coast of Southern Spain on the 21st of October 1805.
The British Fleet of 27 Ships was outnumbered by the 33 Ships of the combined enemy Fleets.
Just before battle commenced Nelson sent out the famous Flag signal
''England expects that every man will do his duty''.
Using revolutionary tactics Nelson 'broke the Line' and split the opposing Fleets in 3 parts. British Gunners in charge of the cannon decimated the opposition by heavier, faster and more accurate firing.
Nelson's tactics won a stunning victory for the British and guaranteed that the fear of a French invasion could now be put to rest. Tragically, at the very height of the Battle Nelson was shot by a French sniper. Taken below deck he was told of his triumph and died in the arms of his friend Captain Hardy.
HMS Victory brought Nelson's body back to England where the Country went into National mourning and he was buried in St Paul's Cathedral in January 1806.