Happy 204th, Trafalgar!

[Monarchist]

Two-hundred and four years have passed since the utter elimination of Nelson's adversaries at Trafalgar, in 1805. This was surely the end of Napoléon's drive to ever make a pass at England. Celebrate by talking about the Age of Sail and its implications for the world. Be it fire amidships, cannon from the flanks, or just good old boarding, I love to learn about 18th and 19th century naval warfare.

Discuss the Battle of Trafalgar, if you wish. I love it open-ended, so that the subject may drift to any particular naval battle. However, Napoleonic naval battles hold a special allure for me, so don't be surprised if I glorify the events of Oct. 21, 1805.

How important would any of you historians say that Trafalgar was for the course of the Wars?

[Captain Jin]

Really an awesome age that created many daring, swashbuckling Naval captain who could be both bloody-minded and gentlemanly all at once. My favorite is most definitely Thomas Cochrane, but Nelson was outstanding as well. So many incredible officers that made their career before the Union jack. Pretty incredible period of time.

[Stavroforos]

An unfortunate turn of events, though not unexpected due to Nelson's great ability at sea.

[RuleBritannia]

Britain took on two combined navies of Spain and France and was outnumbered heavily, but annihilated the fleets with few casualties. Too bad a damn sniper had to kill Nelson though.

[Darsh]

Britain took on two combined navies of Spain and France and was outnumbered heavily, but annihilated the fleets with few casualties. Too bad a damn sniper had to kill Nelson though.

The 2 december is a better celebration.

[removeduser_487563287433]

A lesson if ever we needed one in not strutting around like a cross between a dickhead and a peacock.

[Barry Ferguson]

A lesson if ever we needed one in not strutting around like a cross between a dickhead and a peacock.

There is a theory that Nelson was deliberately trying to get himself killed, to ensure his reputation

[Keravnos]

There is a theory that Nelson was deliberately trying to get himself killed, to ensure his reputation

I think that theory is a bit too farfetched.
Let's celebrate a victory for what it is. An amazing victory of an era of wooden ships and Iron men.

[Ahlerich]

lol well said.

daramtization