Didon was carrying dispatches intended to bring Allemand's squadron into contact with Villeneuve. The frigate had already served the same courier function across the Atlantic, connecting commands scattered across the campaign. On 10 August, HMS Phoenix intercepted her before the new orders could be delivered. The fleet-concentration plan therefore depended on one frigate surviving a long communications circuit.
Notable Point · 8:55-9:50
Didon's dispatch mission exposes French communications
The frigate carrying orders to Allemand becomes a single point of failure in the attempt to unite France's scattered squadrons.