TRAFALGAR DAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22865, 21 October 1937, Page 16

TRAFALGAR DAY

GREAT NAVAL ENGAGEMENT BRITAIN'S GLORIOUS VICTORY Englishmen will to-day feci a surge of pride when reminded that on October 21, 1805, the most glorious victory in British naval history, the Battle of Trafalgar, was won by the British Fleet under the command of Admiral Nelson against the combined French and Spanish fleets. Britons the whole world over observo Trafalgar Day as commemoration of a great sea battle which still retains its power to thrill, aud of the memory of Lord Horatio Nelson, which persists as cherished and unfading as ever. "With the famous' signal—"England expects that every man will do his duty"—floating from the masthead of the Victory, Nelson advanced against the French admiral Villeneuvo on the morning of October 21, 1805. Before long the enemy's line was broken and Britain won a victory which blotted out France as a great Power on the ocean.

Tho victory of Trafalgar was dearly bought by the death of Nelson, who was fatally wounded by a musket ball from the tops of the .Redoubtable before the issue was decided. The spirit of the Victory has lived as a virile force and its practical interest is also still alive. Today bluejackets stationed at tho Portsmouth naval barracks bear upon their cap ribbons the legend "H.M.S. Victory."