Bellerophon became locked in an unequal fight with L'Orient, while Culloden grounded on a shoal. Majestic suffered heavy casualties after becoming entangled with Tonnant, and Lieutenant Robert Cuthbert assumed command after Captain George Blagdon Westcott's death. He kept Majestic fighting between Tonnant and Heureux. French command also suffered severely: Brueys died aboard L'Orient after refusing to be carried below, while wounds incapacitated Blanquet du Chayla and Franklin's captain. Nelson returned to his deck after treatment for a head wound that had temporarily blinded him. The Royal Navy's deeper pool of experienced officers allowed subordinate commanders to keep ships in action through casualties and disrupted plans.
Chapter · 2:06:29-2:19:43
Command depth keeps damaged British ships fighting
Groundings, missed stations, casualties, and Nelson's wound did not stop subordinate British officers from continuing the attack.