The Battle of Nelson

Admiral Villeneuve had signaled to this fan-guard squadron to turn around and reinforce the center. His commander's orders were clear, but Admiral Dumondoir did not come. This hesitation has been hotly debated ever since. The Santissima Trinidad was practically destroyed, demasted, adrift, and unable to fire. To add insult to injury, those approaching sales turned away. No help was coming. With no mast available to strike their colors, the crew found a British national flag and hung it over the side to indicate surrender.