Nelson's death required Collingwood to assume command of the entire fleet while the battle's consequences were still unfolding. Royal Sovereign was dismasted and could no longer carry an admiral around the scattered formation. Rather than disrupt another damaged ship of the line, Collingwood transferred his flag to the thirty-six-gun Apollo-class frigate HMS Euryalus, which had been repeating signals. He ordered Royal Sovereign taken in tow and used the mobile frigate to distribute fleet-wide instructions. The choice restored command mobility while Collingwood was openly grieving for his friend.
Chapter · 35:39-36:42
A signal frigate restores command after Nelson's death
Collingwood transfers to the signal frigate HMS Euryalus so he can succeed Nelson without disrupting another damaged ship of the line.