Royal Navy commemorates 218th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar
Trafalgar Day is the most important day in the calendar of HMS Victory, the oldest commissioned warship in the world.
Each year, on 21 October, a ceremony is held on board Victory marking the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, a battle which defined the age of sail and sealed British domination of the seas for 100 years.
The day starts with the daily naval ceremony of Colours, as the White Ensign of the Royal Navy and the Union Jack are hauled up, followed by the flag sequence representing Nelson's famous message to the Fleet that "England expects that every man will do his duty".
Nelson's tactical genius in splitting the line of enemy ships set the pre-conditions for victory, but he was fatally hit by a French sharpshooter's musket ball – dying at the precise moment the Franco-Spanish fleet surrendered.
A polished brass plaque marks the spot where he fell and now forms the centrepiece of the Trafalgar Day ceremony.
The ship's Admiral in Charge, Vice Admiral Martin Connell, who is also Second Sea Lord, laid wreaths on the plaque, in the ceremony led by the Chaplain of the Fleet, the Venerable Andrew Hillier.
Lieutenant Commander BJ Smith, Victory's 101st Commanding Officer, said: "Being the Commanding Officer of HMS Victory is a huge privilege and Trafalgar Day is the most important day in our calendar.
"It is a poignant and significant event when we remember the courage of Nelson, our greatest naval hero but also remember the sacrifice of many hundreds of men on both sides.
"Trafalgar Day remains relevant today to the modern Royal Navy as we continue to maintain Nelson's legacy to this maritime nation, protecting our interests across the globe."
At an event at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal hosted a dinner in commemoration of the day.
More than 300 guests, including the Chief of the Defence Staff, attended the event.
Chief Executive of the White Ensign Association, Stuart Wright, said: "There is no more fitting place to commemorate the exploits of Admiral Lord Nelson two centuries ago than where he lay in state after the Battle of Trafalgar."
He added: "Nelson was known for caring about the welfare of those under his command – and the association and co-hosts, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, are inspired by that example in the support we provide to all those in today's naval community."
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