Today, 21st October, marks Trafalgar Day
Today marks Trafalgar Day where on 21st October 1805 HMS Victory led the British fleet into battle off Cape Trafalgar against the Franco-led Spanish force. It is one of the most important dates in British Naval history, a date where Lord Nelson and the British Fleet are remembered.
Jacky Fisher is often considered the second most important figure in British naval history after Lord Nelson, who was his hero. In fact, Fisher formally entered the Royal Navy on 13th July 1854 aged 13, on board Nelson’s former flagship HMS Victory at Portsmouth. Jacky dedicated a chapter in his memoirs to Nelson, calling him one of the greatest naval commanders in history.
The Navy will be holding events all over the country to mark today and will hold a Trafalgar Night Dinner to commemorate the victory. A traditional toast is given by the guest of honour after the dinner.
"The Immortal Memory of Lord Nelson and those who fell with him"
Queen Elizabeth II 21st October 2005 (The 200th Anniversary)
Fisher’s fascination with Nelson may have led him to find his own Lady Hamilton too. Jacky spent the last few years of his life with Nina, Duchess of Hamilton after his catastrophic resignation during the First World War in May 1915. Nina was famous in her own right as one of the first animal rights activists.
The Fisher family are also celebrating that it has been a year since our fantastic event ‘A Veritable Volcano: The Life and Legacy of Admiral Lord ‘Jacky’ Fisher ‘ which we collaborated on with the brilliant Churchill Archive Centre.
Penelope Fisher
20/10/21
Image copyright R Fisher