The Battle of Caddis

Some British officers praised Villeneuve for the cleverness of this double line, not recognizing it as a mistake. This was an all or nothing engagement. The only likely outcomes were total victory or total disaster. It is a bit pathetic to imagine the combined fleet struggling so hard just to get in a basic formation. But remember, these ships were difficult to maneuver under the best of conditions and on this day they had practically no wind to work with. Nelson found time to write in his diary, quote, May the great God whom I worship grant my country and for the benefit of Europe in general a great and glorious battle.