Admin Table of Contents
Where is the Cape of Trafalgar?
Cadiz
Cape Trafalgar is a headland in the south-west of Spain, in the province of Cadiz. The battle itself took place to the west of Cape Trafalgar, in the famous Atlantic swell! The Bay of Cadiz was a relatively sensible choice for a battle.
What happened at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805?
In one of the most decisive naval battles in history, a British fleet under Admiral Lord Nelson defeats a combined French and Spanish fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar, fought off the coast of Spain. In five hours of fighting, the British devastated the enemy fleet, destroying 19 enemy ships. …
What three countries were involved in the Battle of Trafalgar?
The Battle of Trafalgar (21 October 1805) was a naval engagement between the British Royal Navy and the combined fleets of the French and Spanish Navies during the War of the Third Coalition (August–December 1805) of the Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815).
Why is the Battle of Trafalgar named?
Trafalgar, as the battle was named by George III, had crushed the naval power of a deadly enemy, and – although they had fought like heroes – the Spanish and French had been annihilated. Trafalgar was the product of one man’s obsessive genius and unequalled commitment to his country.
Why is Trafalgar Square Famous?
The Square’s name commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, the British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars over France and Spain that took place on 21 October 1805 off the coast of Cape Trafalgar. The site around Trafalgar Square had been a significant landmark since the 1200s.
How many died at Battle of Trafalgar?
Nelson died at 16:30 as a result of his wounds. The destruction of the French ship Achille at 17:45 marked the end of the battle, which had resulted in the loss of 19 French and Spanish ships, no loss of British ships, 6,953 French and Spanish casualties (4,408 dead) and 1,690 casualties in Nelson’s ships (430 dead).
Did the British win the battle of Trafalgar?
While most French and Spanish ships had recent experience at sea and in battle, some Spanish ships had inexperienced crews who had only served together for a few weeks. Nearly every duel involving manoeuvre during the battle was won by the British. The sole clear exception was the French Pluton’s victory over Mars.
What was the date of the Battle of Trafalgar?
France: Campaigns and conquests, 1797–1807. At the Battle of Trafalgar (October 21, 1805), British naval gunners decimated the French and Spanish fleets, ending all thought of a cross-Channel invasion.
Who was the French admiral in the Battle of Trafalgar?
On the 21st of October 1805, the British fleet, under Horatio Nelson’s command, met the combined French and Spanish fleets, under French Admiral Pierre-Charles Villeneuve, for one of the most famous naval battles in history, off Cape Trafalgar, Spain.
How did Nelson catch Villeneuve in the Battle of Trafalgar?
On October 19–20 his fleet slipped out of Cádiz, hoping to get into the Mediterranean Sea without giving battle. Nelson caught him off Cape Trafalgar on October 21. Villeneuve ordered his fleet to form a single line heading north, and Nelson ordered his fleet to form two squadrons and attack Villeneuve’s line from the west, at right angles.
Who are the ships of the line in the Battle of Trafalgar?
On 2 October, five ships of the line, HMS Queen, Canopus, Spencer, Zealous, Tigre, and the frigate HMS Endymion were dispatched to Gibraltar under Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Louis for supplies. These ships were later diverted for convoy duty in the Mediterranean, although Nelson had expected them to return.