In Destiny's Hands, Trafalgar, 12:15 PM by Ivan Berryman [Postcard]

Artist: Ivan Berryman [browse all Ivan Berryman]

It is approximately 12,15 pm on 21st October 1805. With the combined Franco-Spanish enemy line in the far distance, HMS Victory is just beginning to manouevre, having chosen the French flagship Bucentaure as her target. Behind Victory lies Temeraire, then Neptune, followed by the two-deckers, Leviathan and Conqueror and Agamemnon in the foreground. Victory is flying the signal 'Engage the Enemy Closely' from her main mast. Most ships have their studding sails set on the larboard (port) side only trying to harness as much wind as possible to hasten their approach 1n such light airs. At this stage, the stoves will have been extinguished, the guns run out and all decks cleared for action, their floors strewn with sawdust to avoid slipping and to soak up the blood. The Marines will be in position the officers at their posts and gun crews may likely have been singing hearty songs to raise their spirits. Fate alone knew what awaited them, once the firing started.

Postcard size 6 inches x 4 inches (15cm x 10cm)