Africa was apparently meant to sail fourth from the rear of the lee column. Instead, she attacked from the head of the allied fleet and worked toward the weather column. Her separate approach initially suggested another British column to the allied fleet. The idea that Digby deliberately supplied Nelson with a missing third column is offered playfully and speculatively, without being established as his intention.
Notable Point · 2:21:23-2:39:48
HMS Africa and the appearance of a third column
Africa approached separately despite an intended place in Collingwood's column.