1797, Nelson's Year of Destiny

1998;X; £18.99;

At the battle of Cape St Vincent Nelson, seeing an opportunity, disobeyed an order, turned HMS Captain out of the line of battle and led the van of Admiral Jervis's fleet into action with the Spanish fleet. A boarding party, led by Nelson, captured two Spanish ships which were entwined with each other. It was unusual for a flag officer of Nelson's standing to lead a boarding party but his method of getting most of his men along the bowsprit as "a bridge to board a first rater" was even more unusual.

His reputation in the fleet for bravery was reinforced at Cadiz. Nelson led another sortie. During it his life was saved by Coxwain Sykes. At Santa Cruz in Tenerife landing on the night of 24-25th July was, as a result of faulty information about the defence force, a disaster for the British and Nelson, again leading his men, received a shot that shattered his right elbow. When he returned to England with one arm, the accounts of his bravery led to an enthusiastic reception and to promotion.

Colin White, with material recently available from Spanish historians, has written a fascinating account with interesting illustrations. - OLW