Q&A · 46:54-51:53

Swapping Nelson and Collingwood's 1794 assignments

Exchanging their places at Calvi and the Glorious First of June might alter injuries and attention, but probably would not overturn their established career trajectories.

Question

How would Nelson and Collingwood's careers change if they swapped assignments in 1794?

Short answer

The details might change, including who was injured at Calvi, but their broader trajectories would likely remain similar.

Notes

Nelson's advancement already showed that Royal Navy careers did not follow length of service alone: Collingwood was about ten years older and had joined about ten years earlier. A swap might put Collingwood at Calvi, where Nelson historically lost sight in one eye, while Nelson's place aboard Barfleur at the Glorious First of June could attract an admiral's attention. Both assignments were prestigious enough that the officers' broad trajectories need not reverse. Nelson was unusually skilled at publicizing his successes, whereas Collingwood did not cultivate the same visibility. Their injuries and opportunities might change, but the difference in publicity would probably continue to separate their careers.