Separated by weather, the 64-gun Africa reached Trafalgar without joining Nelson's two columns. Her captain could maneuver toward the British force or make a direct, solitary approach against the Franco-Spanish line. Africa sailed at the enemy with enough confidence that the combined fleet briefly expected more British ships to be following her. She engaged along the enemy line in the traditional manner while the main British force attacked in columns. Africa suffered severe damage, survived, and was towed away.
Notable Point · 1:19:31-1:22:03
HMS Africa's solitary attack at Trafalgar
The 64-gun HMS Africa arrived late and sailed directly at the combined fleet, becoming the only British ship to fight in the traditional line-of-battle manner.