The Danish defence expected the principal attack from the north, but Nelson approached through the southern channel after inspecting the difficult waters. Each British ship sailed past the vessels already engaged and anchored by the stern opposite the next Danish position. This brought the line into action successively without allowing it to overextend. The effect resembled a walking barrage moving up the defensive line. The navigation remained hazardous: Agamemnon, Russell, and Bellona grounded before they could take their intended places.
Chapter · 53:20-55:25
Nelson's southern anchoring attack
Nelson approached from the south rather than the expected north, anchoring ships successively opposite the Danish line to concentrate fire without overextending his force.