The Pre-Battle Rituals of the French Navy

Every French ship of the line had been issued with a golden eagle standard from the Emperor's own hand. The appearance of these standards had an electrifying effect on the French sailors. Meanwhile, every Spanish vessel carried a Catholic crucifix. Just like the eagles, these were ceremonially brought out and lashed to the mast in preparation for battle. It was almost as if the two allies had to remind themselves that they were fighting for very different causes.