Collingwood was already directing the blockade of Cadiz by mid-August, and Nelson arrived on 27 September to reinforce a command system already in motion. Calder soon requested permission to return for court martial in his flagship, removing Prince of Wales from the force when the Admiralty had expected the ship to remain. This sequence complicates the simplified contrast between universally capable British admirals and uniformly poor French commanders. Calder was a cautious but competent executor, while the possible French replacement Rosily may have offered steadier judgment than Villeneuve. Appointments, reliefs, courts martial, and reinforcement decisions shaped the fleet available for battle.
Chapter · 22:14-24:37
Cadiz blockade and the Royal Navy command network
Collingwood's blockade, Nelson's arrival, Calder's departure, and Rosily's approach reveal how command changes helped bring the fleets to battle.