Collingwood hoisted his flag in HMS Dreadnought after promotion to vice-admiral of the blue. The three-decked second rate was a powerful blockade flagship, but the planned Trafalgar attack called for an even stronger and faster ship to lead a column through the enemy line. Nelson also needed an officer whose thinking he knew from decades of shared service. Collingwood's selection and eventual move to Royal Sovereign matched the ship's capability with a command partnership built over many years.
Notable Point · 23:45-26:05
From HMS Dreadnought to a Trafalgar breakthrough ship
Collingwood's move from HMS Dreadnought reflects the firepower and command demands of leading a column directly through the Franco-Spanish line.