Nelson's famous victories sit beside failures at Malta, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Cádiz, Grand Turk, and San Juan. Several defeats came in land or amphibious operations rather than fleet battle. At Grand Turk, a stronger prepared garrison and artillery stopped the expedition, while at San Juan sickness and logistics defeated the force even after it took a fort. Failure need not disqualify an officer who learns, works hard, and does not repeat the same errors. Enemy action and logistics both have a vote, so a competent decision cannot guarantee a perfect outcome. A force that treats any imperfect result as career-ending can discourage the initiative needed in war.
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Nelson's failures as part of his command record
Nelson's failed operations did not end his career because he remained a capable officer who learned from them.