One of the most important anniversaries in the Royal Navy calendar will be marked for the 204th year by a ceremony onboard HMS Victory and the ship will be dressed for the occasion, on Wednesday 21 October 2009.
October 21st is the anniversary of the most decisive naval battle under sail in British history - Admiral Lord Nelson's triumph at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The anniversary also marks the death of the Royal Navy's most revered leader when he was fatally wounded during the action, which ultimately defeated a Franco-Spanish Fleet.
The hoisting of the Colours (Union Jack and White Ensign) and Nelson's signal ''England Expects'' marked the start of the commemoration on HMS Victory. Following in this tradition, a team of ratings and staff from HMS Victory will hoist the 33 flags in sequence on Victory's three masts.
HMS Victory’s Commanding Officer, Lt Cdr DJ ‘Oscar’ Whild RN said “Trafalgar is considered to be the most decisive naval battle in history, both tactically and strategically. It was in 1899 that the custom of flying Nelson''s famous ''England Expects'' signal from the masts every Trafalgar Day first started, and we are honoured to continue that tradition today.”
The signal will be flying from 0800 until sunset on Wednesday 21st October, it is FREE to walk into the Historic Dockyard and view the signal. A single attraction ticket or all-inclusive attraction ticket must be purchased to go onboard HMS Victory.
