The Battle of Cape St Vincent - Nelsons Patent Bridge by Ivan Berryman. (B)

As the early morning fog and mist began to clear on 14th February 1797, the British squadron commanded by Admiral Jervis spotted two columns of Spanish ships and immediately set off in pursuit. Horatio Nelson was stationed at the very rear of the British squadron in HMS Captain and, from this vantage point Nelson suspected that the Spanish would form into a single fighting unit and he feared that they would attempt to encircle the British ships and attack them in the round. Against orders to the contrary, Nelson broke away and sailed directly at the Spanish line to intercept them. A fierce artillery battle ensued with the San Josef losing her mizzen mast and HMS Captain having her fore top shot away. Damage to the San Nicolas was such that she became uncontrollable and crashed heavily into the San Josef, at which point Nelson drove his ship into the pair of them, personally leading the boarding party to take both ships as prizes. This daring manoeuvre became known as Nelsons Patent Bridge for Boarding First Rates and alerted the Admiralty to young Nelsons bravado and courage.

Small limited edition of 50 Prints.

Image size 16 inches x 12 inches (41cm x 31cm)