October 21, 1805 · Atlantic / Naval Theater
October 21, 1805
Off Cape Trafalgar on the southwestern coast of Spain, Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson led the British fleet in a bold perpendicular attack against the combined Franco-Spanish fleet. Breaking the enemy line in two columns, the British achieved a tactical masterpiece, capturing or destroying 22 of 33 enemy ships without losing a single vessel of their own. Nelson was mortally wounded by a French sharpshooter during the height of the battle and died below decks, his last words reportedly being 'Thank God I have done my duty.' His victory was decisive and absolute.
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