Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:23:02-1:35:03

How HMS Africa entered the battle

Africa's separate approach shows how an experienced captain could join the action after missing the fleet's preparations.

Battle Of TrafalgarCommand And ControlHMS AfricaRoyal Navy
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Question

Why did HMS Africa approach Trafalgar from a different direction?

Short answer

She had become separated from the fleet and entered the battle directly instead of spending time sailing around to join Nelson's column.

Notes

Africa had been sent to reinforce Nelson, but the exact sequence of her arrival and separation is uncertain in this account. She reached the battle from a different direction and was too far away to join the rear of Nelson's column without a lengthy detour. Going straight towards the action avoided that wasted movement. Captain Digby had missed the fleet's preparations, but his experience gave him a basis for acting independently.