How would Trafalgar change if Fleet led the Franco-Spanish fleet and Dr. Clarke led the British?
Short answerIt would likely become an even more complete British victory because foreknowledge permits a third attack column, while the combined fleet still cannot quickly overcome its crew and junior-officer disadvantages.
NotesThe Franco-Spanish command is a losing assignment even before adding British foreknowledge. On the British side, a commander who knew the historical sequence could retain ships that departed before Trafalgar and use them as a third column. That extra formation could block the combined fleet's remaining route of escape and turn an already decisive victory into a more complete destruction. Giving the allies a great commander such as Suffren would improve leadership but would not erase the gap in crew drill and junior-officer experience. An admiral can change deployment, while institutional quality cannot be improvised on the day of battle.