The Battle of Trafalgar
The Battle of Trafalgar was fought on the 21st of October 1805 off Cape Trafalgar on the Spanish coast, between the combined fleets of Spain and France against the English navy. One of the greatest sea battles in history, the conflict witnessed both the defeat of Napolean's plans to invade Britain and the death of one of England's national heroes – Vice Admiral Lord Nelson.

'England expects that every man will do his duty.' These were the words that Nelson used to rally his fleet before the battle in which he was to lose his life. Nelson, who wore his full insignia to inspire his men, was recognised by a French sniper and fatally shot through the spine. Taken beneath the deck, he survived long enough to know that victory was certain. His body was preserved in a casket of brandy and taken home to London, where he was given a state funeral.