HMS Africa arrived separately from Nelson's main formation and sailed directly toward the enemy rather than trying to fit into a formal line. Captain Digby's decision exemplified a navy whose officers understood the immediate purpose of combat: get to the enemy and engage closely. Her approach was sufficiently alarming that some Allied officers reportedly thought another British line might be following behind her.
Notable Point · 7:20-9:06
HMS Africa charges the combined fleet
The 64-gun HMS Africa pressed into the Franco-Spanish fleet without waiting for a tidy formation.