Line of Battle by Ivan Berryman [Print]

Line of Battle

As Nelson’s column of ships began their approach to the French and Spanish fleet at the start of the Battle of Trafalgar on 21st October 1805, the first four ships to break through were to be HMS Victory at the head of the line, HMS Temeraire, HMS Neptune and the 74 gun two-decker HMS Leviathan. Afraid for his admiral’s safety in the lead ship, Captain Harvey of the Temeraire decided to break away from the line in order to overtake Victory and be the first ship through, thus taking the worst of the gunfire from the enemy line as they approached. However, it was Admiral Nelson’s habit always to lead from the front and, as Temeraire manoeuvred alongside Victory, Nelson took up his speaking trumpet, went to his ship’s side, and sternly shouted, 'I will thank you, Captain Harvey, to maintain your proper station which is astern of the Victory'. Harvey complied at once and fleet continued into battle as originally planned.