HMS Victory hosts 2016 Trafalgar Day Ceremony
Trafalgar Day is the most important day in HMS Victory’s calendar, and today, a poignant ceremony was held on board to mark the 211th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.
Portsmouth-based HMS Victory is the oldest commissioned warship in the world and is the Flagship of the Head of the Naval Service, The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones.
The ceremony also allows for remembrance of the loss of the country’s greatest ever naval leader, Admiral Lord Nelson, and the lives of men on both sides who perished in the fierce battle.
The event began with the daily naval ceremony of ‘Colours’, as the White Ensign of the Royal Navy and the Union Jack are hauled up — followed shortly afterwards by the flag sequence indicating Nelson’s famous message to the Fleet that “England expects that every man will do his duty”.
Nelson’s tactical genius in splitting the line of enemy ships had already set the pre-conditions for victory, when only an hour into the Battle, Nelson was hit by a French sharpshooters’ musket ball as he paced Victory’s quarterdeck. He fell, fatally wounded, on a spot marked by a lovingly polished brass plaque, which now forms the centrepiece of the Trafalgar Day Ceremony.
Vice Admiral Woodcock said: “The Battle of Trafalgar is an iconic part of the Royal Navy’s and United Kingdom’s proud Maritime history. Trafalgar Day gives us the opportunity to reflect on the remarkable display of courage, application of the Royal Navy’s war fighting edge, and the enduring inspiration provided by Admiral Lord Nelson. In doing so we remind ourselves of the continued professionalism and dedication of our sailors and marines, traits as prevalent today as they were in 1805, and just as essential today as our personnel work tirelessly to defend our Nation’s interests at home and across the globe.”
Lieutenant Commander BJ Smith, Victory’s 101st Commanding Officer is hugely proud to play a key role in the Ceremony. He said: “Being in Command of HMS Victory this year is a huge privilege and Trafalgar Day is the most important day in our calendar.
“Having greatly admired Nelson since childhood it is a great honour to take a lead role in the Trafalgar Day Service. It is a poignant and significant event when we remember the courage of Nelson, our greatest naval hero but also remember the sacrifice of many hundreds of men on both sides. Trafalgar Day remains relevant today to the modern Royal Navy as we continue to maintain Nelson’s legacy to this maritime nation, protecting our interests across the globe.”
Visitors to the historic ship can now enjoy original colours, and a new journey, experiencing HMS Victory through Nelson’s eyes. They will be able to walk around Nelson’s Great Cabin, access the carpenter and bosun’s store, and see Captain Hardy’s Cabin displayed for the very first time as the working accommodation of a Captain.