Besides Yi and Nelson, what are some other examples you can think of where an admiral won an engagement posthumously? I’d nominate Scott and Callaghan at First Guadalcanal given that they did manage to stop the Japanese attack, even if the battle involved some major fuckups from Callaghan.
Lt Smith "Sir, I have the honor of representing HMS Africa, and am willing to accept your surrender." Admiral de Cisneros "Sir, I apologize for the inconvenience to you and your boarding party, but we are still fighting, and have no intention of surrendering." Lt Smith "Ah, sir, I apologize for the confusion. We'll see ourselves off."
In the era when nobles had their own warships which were incorporated into the fleet I wish one had named their ship something mundane. I’d love to hear Drach listing off all the impressive names in a battle and then that. “The Incredible, the Conqueror, the Magnificent, Terror, Malevolent, the Grand Supreme Galactic Sovereign, and……Steve.”
And of course Steve would be the one to stern rake two ships into oblivion and then engage in a boarding action with the enemy flagship and force a surrender.
“Hello, Sir! I’m here to accept your surrender!” “Sorry to disappoint you but I’m not done fighting yet!” “It is no issue at all, have a good day!” The early 19th Century was definitely something else.
More likely the French had a ton more men than the boarders, but defeating them would have let the Neptune board them in return, so both sides of the agreement benefitted from not fighting it out
We've waited almost as long as Nelson spent chasing Villeneuve across the Atlantic, but now we're here. The most fitting re-enactment possible of one of the most famous battles in naval history. Also, while this might have fit better on the previous Nelson video, I always love hearing about the conference aboard Victory where Nelson laid out his plans. A relatively simple tactical plan, but a clear and powerful message of effectively: "Gentlemen, I have every confidence that you captains, your ships, your officers, and your crews are demonstrably better then their enemy counterparts. If we can bring our full strength to bear against the enemy, we should have every confidence in our ultimate victory. Here's the basic way in which I intend to bring that battle about, but if chaos should reign, I trust each of you to fight your ships as you see fit, find an enemy, and defeat him." Now that's a leader showing trust and confidence in his subordinates, which they would justify. No wonder his captains adored him.
los españoles no tuvimos nada que ver en esta batalla, quiero dejar eso claro, de echo, nos daba igual, llegando al punto de dejar que un francés sin experiencia naval como fue Nelson en comparación a la experiencia de los españoles, liderara la batalla... fue la solución que España encontró para ganar tiempo, decirle que no nos convertiría en enemigos y claro... a Inglaterra no la puede invadir, porque reina en el agua claramente, pero a España si, ya España tiene vía terrestre.... de echo, napoleón acabo invadiendo a españa....
I could not stop laughing hearing the exploits of Africa. Imagine turning up to the battle late, running down the line firing at every ship to reach your own side, then sending a boarding party to take the largest ship in the world, only to have to apologise and leave as they tell you they haven't finished fighting yet
Also, Africa was a 64, a ship size witch every major navy considered more or less unfit for the line of battle. Yet her captain decided trading broardsides with about a third of the franco-spanish fleet by herself was a perfectly reasonable thing to do.
To use modern terminology, HMS Africa was bad ass. Got a bit lost but, in the finest traditions of the Royal Navy, sailed in the direction of the sound of the guns while exchanging fire with the entirety of the van of the Franco Spanish fleet until she arrived where she was supposed to be, and then got stuck in. Legend.
The fact that men who are literally doing everything they can to kill each other can basically call a time-out while they do a quick review and sort out the rules, and then _go back to their original positions and start again_ , is absolutely mind-boggling.
Agreed. And it begs the question just why are we forced to pay for the BBC when documentaries of this standard are made by specialists of Drachs quality?
The lengths of which you went to, and the work put in by so many people and parties, is truly impressive. Thank you Drachs, it is truly felt and appreciated!
This is one of the most informative documentaries on Trafalgar I've ever seen. Simple in concept and brilliant in execution. You've excelled yourself. I commend you and everyone involved in this video. 💯
Bloody fine work, young Drach. The combination of models, voice actors and imagery was excellent. Educational, informative, entertaining and clean. Some of the usual asides may not have been entirely "professional", but they were nonetheless welcome. Old Attenborough himself would enjoy it, I believe. A certain fellow named Snow might learn a thing or two.
Loved the comment about the bagpipers. Not sure whether that's a compliment to the lethality of bagpipes or an indictment of their players' prowess with a musket!
Some sea stories grow in the telling. Drach, yours about Trafalgar & Nelson simply cannot be improved upon. Marvelous, moving, and highly entertaining. An hour-ish well worth getting lost in.
Beautifully done, Uncle Drach. Over 45ish years ago we gamed out Trafalgar in "Wooden Ships and Iron Men." It took us a holiday weekend and the following weekend to boot. It was a grind, even without the smell of blood, sand, and powder.
I do wonder *how* the boarding party from the Africa managed to get as far as they did; presumably in all the chaos no-one would've expected a boarding action via boat so no-one would've been looking for such an attempt (and thus, not shot them in their approach). Once they boarded, no-one would've been expecting Royal Navy personnel to have apparently teleported aboard, so clearly they were meant to be there and thus no-one would've challenged them. For their part, the boarding party wasn't there to fight, and would've taken the *lack* of challenge as confirmation that this was a ship no longer in the action. I wonder who would've been more embarrassed; the Spanish admiral (both for his ship having given the appearance of having struck, and for his crew to have *not* stopped the boarding party), or the crew of the Africa for not noticing the fact the ship was still engaged and the potential insult given by presuming that they had struck.
Also the crew of a small boat might be enough to accept/enforce a surrender, but it definitively wouldn’t have been enough to overwhelm the crew through a boarding action. So it wasn’t a serious threat even if they had been trying to board.
Based on my understanding of the culture, the crew of the Africa comported themselves with perfect gentlemanly decorum, following protocol to the best of their knowledge. The Santissima must have realized the confusion was their fault and been extremely ashamed to accidentally lead GENTLEMAN to break PROTOCOL by failing in their APPEARANCE. An absolutely ghastly faux pas. Full apologies were delivered *promptly*.
I missed drinking a rum on Nelson last Saturday. MEA CULPA. I might be German, but Nelson was a childhood hero of mine and still is a hero to me. I drink to him each october 2tst. Without him, we would all be speaking french (what horror!)
Not really. The invasion fleet’s aim was to impose peace on Great Britain, because until then, and after then, Great Britain had been breaking every single peace treaty, and funded every single coalition against France for the more than 20 years the wars against revolutionary and post-revolutionary France lasted between 1793 and 1815. Great Britain just couldn’t bear to have a country more powerful than itself, a country that spread modern ideas and civil rights for everybody, that went against the nobility and kings’ privileges over the people, a country that was for free commerce, free education and equal rights for everybody while Great Britain was for restraining commerce on the oceans for its own purposes and gains against every other nations. And what’s more, Great Britain was after France’s possessions overseas and the benefits it gained from them, mostly in India and the Caribbean. As for all speaking French, well French has been the international and diplomatic language until the half of the 20th century. And to this day, French is more widely spoken and of use than German.
This video makes a new crown jewel of the channel. I thought you couldn't get much better than the Armada presentation, but in every aspect this is even higher quality. Well deserved to have Victory herself taking part in your efforts.
Absolutely wonderful presentation across all four episodes. This deserves to be shown on mainstream TV for an even wider audience, go to the top of the class!
I love the detail of ship bands playing 'Rule, Britannia' and 'God Save the King' the whole time ships were closing in. That is just so British thing to do, it reminded me of the story of Bill Millin "Mad Piper". That is the proper, civilized way to fight!
I first became interested in Nelson from hearing a mention of him in the movie Master and Commander. I found a biography on Nelson and became one of my first historical heros.
Thank you for making this documentary. Very well done you. And I really appreciate your salute to the casualties at the end. So often we treat naval warfare as the loss of ship, when really it is the loss of the men.
Fantastic video! My wife and I visited the museum several years ago and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I was somewhat surprised when on the deck of Victory, at its rather small size. I guess for the time it represent just about the maximum size that was possible using primarily wooden construction. Given its historical importance to the nation, it would hope that it will reside out of the weather in future to ensure its ongoing preservation, like the Mary Rose next door. The effect of gravity on the hull was very apparent when walking under the vessel. I’m sure that a suitable method of support can be devised. Given its historic importance to the U.K. and the wider world, no money should be held back in its restoration and preservation, in my opinion.
100% agree. HMS Victory is a historical treasure & should be preserved regardless of cost. Along with Mikasa, Huascar & USS Texas, Victory is an invaluable piece of history
My belief is contrary: the materials should be used to make whatever the modern needs wood for. But it should be done with, at the least, great ceremony, and the honor of being granted wood from the original Victory should be reserved to pay special respects to persons, groups, organizations deserving such an honor by both particular achievement and sterling reputation overall. The basic concept behind the preservation of Titanic -- scanned images -- has much more to work with for Victory, it's much less damaged. But I should still like to see practical use made of useful materials. The only rational obstacle I can conceive is ensuring that enough respect and auspice is still involved in any affair of passing down timbers to make, perhaps, coffins for distinguished veterans of the Royal Navy today, or some similar usage of the wood. No sacrilege is intended at all by my suggestion of practical use, nor desecration of history, no even destruction of monument or heritage. In fact the opposite is my desire: I would like to see the memory of ships like these and famous buildings to be preserved more perfectly by becoming part of grand tales continuing service through many uses. What technology can do most magnificently to ease the pain of changing times is to help keep a perfect record in pictures and writing of where persons and material go on and become new persons and materials and pass down traditions through new generations. If it is politically unviable and the people would be too heartbroken to allow a disassembly even under such terms, well, we will have fossilized the wood, but if the people value it more as a museum object their grief should then I think be respected. A vote is fair to ask for, and let the people it served decide its fate. I think it would, however, be nice to imagine pieces of monuments being brought into living use around the world......if it can be done with respect. Absolutely with respect, or not at all.
The video itself is an art of work, but as a passionate part-time model maker, I must say the small models are a beauty! And that’s coming from a half Spanish-half Swiss who’s very proud of his Spanish heritage and his personal family heritage which comprises more than 4 centuries of Spanish naval officers.
Immediately on seeing Part Four released, I set about finding the first three and spent the last day watching all four in close succession. As a boyhood reader of Hornblower and in lockdown, reading Master and Commander in its entirety, followed by revisiting all of Hornblower and now these, I think I am sated. Well Done Drach', it is very impressive.
Visiting Portsmouth and the HMS Victory is in my bucket list, along with the USS Constitution in Boston. I have had the good fortune to have visited twice the IJN Mikasa in Yokosuka, Japan (the only remaining pre-dreadnaught battleship) and one trip to the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor. Your video series is excellent.
This episode was well worth the wait. I can't imagine a better manner in which to describe the events, or to present them with more reverence. Thanks Drach!
Any time I see the portraits on the death of Nelson, I'm reminded of standing at that spot on the Victory and being aware that the overhead was considerably smaller. So much so that several who were in attendance were actually stooped over to avoid hitting their heads.
Alex, your long time listeners know your personal connection with HMS Victory and by extension Admiral Nelson. As a long time listener let me just say that you've done a fantastic job on this series, and this video in particular is among some of the very best videos you've produced to date. Well done, sir.
What troubles this modern soul is the sophistication of the recounting of these deeds and events by the common men of the time. By God, where are such men now? The absolute nonchalance of the retelling of "we almost got blown to hell, both ships, except for the happy accident of the door" really stands out.
The First Rule of History is to die well, and Lord Nelson probably wins the all-time epic exit from the scene: conceive audacious, unorthodox plan to break the enemy's line. Send awesome signals to your lads on the way in. Break the line yourself, in the lead ship with a badass name like "Victory," for crying out loud, shattering the enemy flagship and generally creating crazy amounts of mayhem. In the moment of epoch-marking victory that will propel your island to world domination for the next century-plus, get cut down by a musket ball through the spine. Carried below, dying, you ask how many of the enemy have surrendered, and then tell everyone you'd really hoped for a few more, because of course you did. Finally, exit scene with a raspy "God and my country," before being buried in a coffin you had made out of *checks notes* your enemy's own ship from your *second* most epic victory ever, because you have several such victories. You cannot be a mere mortal and die better than that. It's not possible. Everybody else is playing for second place.
Another brilliant tactic in Nelson's gamble, besides the flagships shielding the rest of the columns from fire in the approach, the men on the other ships SEE their flagships taking that fire FOR them, and I imagine the desire for revenge, the zeal, the fire in the belly was something fierce.
They are going to have to make it a trilogy. Trafalgar itself will take up half a movie. Then you have a half hour showing his funeral and wrapping things up.
Those models are incredible Drach!! I can imagine the comments from Mrs Drach over the last few months “do you really need to do all this for a video?” Response, “yes, my subscribers would expect nothing less!” Love it, your commitment to the cause and attention to detail goes far above and beyond!!!
This makes clear how well the French and Spanish fought, and how brilliant Nelson's attack plan was so that he achieved a decisive victory despite this.
Well done, Drach! To me, it is the best explanation of any battle in the age of sail ever. Including the other voices really added to your otherwise witty banter. Thanks!
Pretty crazy that you would need sand to soak up all the blood so that the deck isn't slick. Really enjoyed the additional voices, thanks for the video Drachinifel :)
Oh come on... surely somebody else... "HMS Africa... had sailed towards the sound of the guns... and come into the view of the leading Franco-Spanish ship... at about the same time he saw Nelson's Column". Upon which its Captain, Digby, thought "Well, might as well pop into Gordon's Wine Bar while we're here!" Joking aside, taking on Trafalgar must be one of the most daunting things any naval historian can do. Bloody well done, Drachinifel.
Such scenes of unimaginable violence, the courage just to withstand it is astonishing, never mind to tell of it as cooly as they did. Iron men indeed, all of them. As always Drach does a fantastic job of humanising and making sense of it all.
I'm so mad you passed up the opportunity to say: there is indeed a small HMS Victory on board HMS Victory reenacting HMS Victory's greatest Victory at 1:44
Love the anecdote about Lt John Smith of HMS Africa upon boarding Nuestra Señora de la Santísima Trinidad. "I'm frightfully sorry for disturbing you Admiral. I see you're far to busy fighting with the Neptune to have chat right now. Right, I'll just be on my way then."
7:46 You got something wrong here Drach; Nelson's actual trump-card was the massive brass balls he possessed that meant he probably looked at the larger fleet and thought "If they had a few more ships, it might actually be a fair fight..."
Been so busy following current events I havnt even checked your chanel in months.. if not even over a year.. And now I find out u made ALL THIS SUPERINTERESTING content during all this time. Itll take me weeks to catch up.. TYVM Sir Drach for doin what u doin mate. And remember.. Coffe never tea
Captain Digby of HMS Africa was the cheekiest fellow in the fleet. Catches sight of Santissima Trinidad and pounces on it like apck of seagulls in Finding Nemo, all the while shouting "MINE, MINE MINE"
Thank you for the great effort and incredible dedication you've put into this and all your videos.After 2 years of enjoying them I doubt I could ever live without them ❤
*What an awesome production!!!* ◾️ _Kudos for your models, your guest narrators, and your entire narrative and presentation. You did justice to this very story!_
I wish you had use those beautiful battle maps you used in parts one and two, minis are nice to look but difficult to follow what its actually happening, finding myself looking for another video of the battle to better follow what is going on, but your narration quite on spot , thxs for your efforts Drach keep up the good work
I’ve watched a few’ war docs on you tube, this actually takes the piss. So enjoyable and fascinating, maybe enjoyable is a wrong superlative? I thank you for your obvious effort. I’ve had the fortune to visit Portsmouth and walk the decks, constantly banging my head!
This is the first account I have seen which relates "extensive" first hand accounts of this historical battle. Well done indeed! Maybe I missed others but I am in some doubt. After watching several accounts of this battle I find yours the most incisive in understanding the thoughts of the combatants. I am glad they now have had a voice. P.S. Merry Christmas Drach and thank you for your many enjoyable and informative efforts.
Drach, ever think of doing a screenplay for a Nelson movie? I think you have the chops for it. Of course we would have Matthew McConaughey play the lead. Harvey Keitel and Jon Bon Jovi would be key supporting actors.
Pinned post for Q&A :)
Besides Yi and Nelson, what are some other examples you can think of where an admiral won an engagement posthumously? I’d nominate Scott and Callaghan at First Guadalcanal given that they did manage to stop the Japanese attack, even if the battle involved some major fuckups from Callaghan.
Just a comment. The music for this Rum Ration is just epic and perfect for a video on Nelson and Trafalgar.
Can we get a "cast list" for who read the quotes. Their voices were fantastic.
What is your favorite moment yourself?
@@BartJBols Nelson's final letter
And thus concludes the life and adventures of Horatio Nelson, the greatest Frigate in the Royal Navy’s history.
Glad to see that this running gag wasn't lost with the passage of time.
Lord Admiral Frigate. Remember your station sir… eh. Frigate.
@@kkupsky6321hi hhhhh
... who was once a mere Boy ...
My uncle Horace Neilson was in the Royal Navy, and was regarded as the greatest frigging liability that had ever served in any of the forces..
You cannot get cooler than retelling the battle of Trafalgar from within the cabin of HMS Victory
Thats just stunning
Lt Smith "Sir, I have the honor of representing HMS Africa, and am willing to accept your surrender."
Admiral de Cisneros "Sir, I apologize for the inconvenience to you and your boarding party, but we are still fighting, and have no intention of surrendering."
Lt Smith "Ah, sir, I apologize for the confusion. We'll see ourselves off."
Admiral de Cisneros: “Thank you for your understanding. Have a pleasant journey” *returns to bloody carnage*
@@dorn0531 Nelson; My pleasure, you sir. Now move to your quarters so i can cannon it. Thanks..
The look on Lt Smith's face at the moment of realisation must have been fantastic. 😂
P
@@gavindavies793 Admiral de Cisneros: "Sorry, can't accept *_your_* surrender right now, kinda busy ya know."
*Imagines Drach giggling while setting up the Battle of Trafalgar on HMS Victory*
Must've been heard for miles
Whoa!!!
Those are YOUR ships.
Setup on THE ship?
That is something to be proud of.
Congrats.
Planning on funding your retirement through the sale of those ships?
Sir, you are to be commended for being able to spell 'whoa' correctly.😅😊
@@jeanmeslier9491Wait! You mean the "h" usually put at the end got fired at some point?😱😂
They may be for the game #BlackSails from Warlord Game; although I could be mistaken...
This is indeed a small HMS Victory aboard HMS Victory on the cabin of HMS Victory, reenacting HMS Victory's greatest victory...
Beautiful. Brought a tear to my eye
Itself, no small victory.
In the era when nobles had their own warships which were incorporated into the fleet I wish one had named their ship something mundane. I’d love to hear Drach listing off all the impressive names in a battle and then that.
“The Incredible, the Conqueror, the Magnificent, Terror, Malevolent, the Grand Supreme Galactic Sovereign, and……Steve.”
As a Steve I wholeheartedly approve this comment! 😂
And of course Steve would be the one to stern rake two ships into oblivion and then engage in a boarding action with the enemy flagship and force a surrender.
@@nuggethead4260 Ahhh, the good old days... 😁
@@stevewhite3424 Dittto.
Then that one slow one at the back shouting "Alan!, ALAN! - oh wait - thats Steve".
“Hello, Sir! I’m here to accept your surrender!”
“Sorry to disappoint you but I’m not done fighting yet!”
“It is no issue at all, have a good day!”
The early 19th Century was definitely something else.
More likely the French had a ton more men than the boarders, but defeating them would have let the Neptune board them in return, so both sides of the agreement benefitted from not fighting it out
I bet they got told in spanish to go fuck themselves, asked for translation and then this sentence fell.
We've waited almost as long as Nelson spent chasing Villeneuve across the Atlantic, but now we're here. The most fitting re-enactment possible of one of the most famous battles in naval history.
Also, while this might have fit better on the previous Nelson video, I always love hearing about the conference aboard Victory where Nelson laid out his plans. A relatively simple tactical plan, but a clear and powerful message of effectively: "Gentlemen, I have every confidence that you captains, your ships, your officers, and your crews are demonstrably better then their enemy counterparts. If we can bring our full strength to bear against the enemy, we should have every confidence in our ultimate victory. Here's the basic way in which I intend to bring that battle about, but if chaos should reign, I trust each of you to fight your ships as you see fit, find an enemy, and defeat him."
Now that's a leader showing trust and confidence in his subordinates, which they would justify. No wonder his captains adored him.
"You know what to do. Do what you do."
los españoles no tuvimos nada que ver en esta batalla, quiero dejar eso claro, de echo, nos daba igual, llegando al punto de dejar que un francés sin experiencia naval como fue Nelson en comparación a la experiencia de los españoles, liderara la batalla... fue la solución que España encontró para ganar tiempo, decirle que no nos convertiría en enemigos y claro...
a Inglaterra no la puede invadir, porque reina en el agua claramente, pero a España si, ya España tiene vía terrestre....
de echo, napoleón acabo invadiendo a españa....
I could not stop laughing hearing the exploits of Africa. Imagine turning up to the battle late, running down the line firing at every ship to reach your own side, then sending a boarding party to take the largest ship in the world, only to have to apologise and leave as they tell you they haven't finished fighting yet
Also, Africa was a 64, a ship size witch every major navy considered more or less unfit for the line of battle. Yet her captain decided trading broardsides with about a third of the franco-spanish fleet by herself was a perfectly reasonable thing to do.
Beg our pardons Sir, but is this a bad time?
To use modern terminology, HMS Africa was bad ass. Got a bit lost but, in the finest traditions of the Royal Navy, sailed in the direction of the sound of the guns while exchanging fire with the entirety of the van of the Franco Spanish fleet until she arrived where she was supposed to be, and then got stuck in. Legend.
This was also the highlight for me. Madlads 😂
The fact that men who are literally doing everything they can to kill each other can basically call a time-out while they do a quick review and sort out the rules, and then _go back to their original positions and start again_ , is absolutely mind-boggling.
This may be your best video ever, Drach. The visuals, the writing, the voice acting for the first hand accounts…it’s all perfect.
Hear hear!
Agreed. And it begs the question just why are we forced to pay for the BBC when documentaries of this standard are made by specialists of Drachs quality?
Something very impressive about having one of the Queen Elizabeth carriers in the background of the drone shots of HMS Victory. 11/10.
Finally, after 3 years. Long have we waited. Thanks, drach
HOORAY
And in Trafalgar week.
Worth it.
The lengths of which you went to, and the work put in by so many people and parties, is truly impressive. Thank you Drachs, it is truly felt and appreciated!
This is one of the most informative documentaries on Trafalgar I've ever seen. Simple in concept and brilliant in execution.
You've excelled yourself. I commend you and everyone involved in this video. 💯
Bloody fine work, young Drach. The combination of models, voice actors and imagery was excellent. Educational, informative, entertaining and clean. Some of the usual asides may not have been entirely "professional", but they were nonetheless welcome. Old Attenborough himself would enjoy it, I believe. A certain fellow named Snow might learn a thing or two.
makes me wonder, did the Black Watch ever have their own navy?
@@stanislavkostarnov2157 maybe not, but they'd have a red-hot crack at it.
Sorry, but I didn't catch which painting was the specially commissioned one. Anyone? 25:08 ?
@@stanislavkostarnov2157 The Night's Watch? Yes, they did. Jon sends several of them on a mission at one point during ADWD.
Raises a virtual glass of Port. To the Immortal Memory of Lord Nelson and those who fell with him on both sides.
Blackadder's comedy line about Admiral Nelson: "... Everyone knows Lady Hamilton is a virgin, poke out my eye and cut off my arm if I'm wrong..."
Loved the comment about the bagpipers. Not sure whether that's a compliment to the lethality of bagpipes or an indictment of their players' prowess with a musket!
Bagpipes were considered a weapon of war!
They were so lethal that at one point in time they were banned by the British.
An inhumane weapon of mass deafness.
Some sea stories grow in the telling. Drach, yours about Trafalgar & Nelson simply cannot be improved upon. Marvelous, moving, and highly entertaining. An hour-ish well worth getting lost in.
Beautifully done, Uncle Drach.
Over 45ish years ago we gamed out Trafalgar in "Wooden Ships and Iron Men." It took us a holiday weekend and the following weekend to boot.
It was a grind, even without the smell of blood, sand, and powder.
This final installment in the Lord Horatio Nelson Saga was well worth the wait. Drach, you are a great teacher, teacher, and storyteller. 😊
Drach, what a tour de force this episode has been. Full of awesome detail, magnificent models, paintings and atmosphere. Thank you
As Count Dooku would say: "I've been looking forward to this"
I do wonder *how* the boarding party from the Africa managed to get as far as they did; presumably in all the chaos no-one would've expected a boarding action via boat so no-one would've been looking for such an attempt (and thus, not shot them in their approach). Once they boarded, no-one would've been expecting Royal Navy personnel to have apparently teleported aboard, so clearly they were meant to be there and thus no-one would've challenged them. For their part, the boarding party wasn't there to fight, and would've taken the *lack* of challenge as confirmation that this was a ship no longer in the action.
I wonder who would've been more embarrassed; the Spanish admiral (both for his ship having given the appearance of having struck, and for his crew to have *not* stopped the boarding party), or the crew of the Africa for not noticing the fact the ship was still engaged and the potential insult given by presuming that they had struck.
It goes to show: if you act like you're supposed to be there, nobody will pay you a lick of mind.
I fully agree with what you are saying, though I would like to add that there may have been a lot of smoke obscuring the small boat from view
Also the crew of a small boat might be enough to accept/enforce a surrender, but it definitively wouldn’t have been enough to overwhelm the crew through a boarding action. So it wasn’t a serious threat even if they had been trying to board.
Based on my understanding of the culture, the crew of the Africa comported themselves with perfect gentlemanly decorum, following protocol to the best of their knowledge.
The Santissima must have realized the confusion was their fault and been extremely ashamed to accidentally lead GENTLEMAN to break PROTOCOL by failing in their APPEARANCE. An absolutely ghastly faux pas. Full apologies were delivered *promptly*.
@@darthparallax5207 lol, you’ve got to love how some people revision history.
I missed drinking a rum on Nelson last Saturday. MEA CULPA. I might be German, but Nelson was a childhood hero of mine and still is a hero to me. I drink to him each october 2tst. Without him, we would all be speaking french (what horror!)
Not really. The invasion fleet’s aim was to impose peace on Great Britain, because until then, and after then, Great Britain had been breaking every single peace treaty, and funded every single coalition against France for the more than 20 years the wars against revolutionary and post-revolutionary France lasted between 1793 and 1815.
Great Britain just couldn’t bear to have a country more powerful than itself, a country that spread modern ideas and civil rights for everybody, that went against the nobility and kings’ privileges over the people, a country that was for free commerce, free education and equal rights for everybody while Great Britain was for restraining commerce on the oceans for its own purposes and gains against every other nations. And what’s more, Great Britain was after France’s possessions overseas and the benefits it gained from them, mostly in India and the Caribbean.
As for all speaking French, well French has been the international and diplomatic language until the half of the 20th century. And to this day, French is more widely spoken and of use than German.
There were Germans at the Battle of Trafalgar.....about 100 or more.
This video makes a new crown jewel of the channel. I thought you couldn't get much better than the Armada presentation, but in every aspect this is even higher quality. Well deserved to have Victory herself taking part in your efforts.
Absolutely wonderful presentation across all four episodes. This deserves to be shown on mainstream TV for an even wider audience, go to the top of the class!
I love the detail of ship bands playing 'Rule, Britannia' and 'God Save the King' the whole time ships were closing in. That is just so British thing to do, it reminded me of the story of Bill Millin "Mad Piper". That is the proper, civilized way to fight!
I first became interested in Nelson from hearing a mention of him in the movie Master and Commander. I found a biography on Nelson and became one of my first historical heros.
7am. Check. Making the kids lunches. Check. Video on Nelson and one of my sons asking me who Horatio is...check. Excellent start to the day.
I know this is late but thanks for doing these videos of Horatio Nelson. It’s great to hear his story since he is my ancestor.
As we all know, the royal barge carrying Nelson's body was also captained by Horatio Hornblower.
And just barely stayed afloat long enough to complete its task!
I thought it was Benny Hill.😳
Thank you for making this documentary. Very well done you. And I really appreciate your salute to the casualties at the end. So often we treat naval warfare as the loss of ship, when really it is the loss of the men.
One of the best telling's of Trafalgar and enjoyable. Thank you.
Another master class in research, dissemination and translation into a cohesive narrative. Well done, as usual!
I just can't get my head around the immense and horrendous suffering, pain, and stench of death.
Thats got to be one of the best job moments for you! Reenactment of trafalgar in the room it was originally planned!
Loved the series, cheers!
I can only imagine how much work it took to paint and rig all of these models! Thank you for all of your hard work and diligence.
I'm 2:48 in and already blown away by the effort put into this video. You are a treasure Drach.
Yesterday I rewatched Part 2 and thought, when will I finally get to see final part.
Well I guess it is my lucky day today.
Fantastic video! My wife and I visited the museum several years ago and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I was somewhat surprised when on the deck of Victory, at its rather small size. I guess for the time it represent just about the maximum size that was possible using primarily wooden construction. Given its historical importance to the nation, it would hope that it will reside out of the weather in future to ensure its ongoing preservation, like the Mary Rose next door. The effect of gravity on the hull was very apparent when walking under the vessel. I’m sure that a suitable method of support can be devised. Given its historic importance to the U.K. and the wider world, no money should be held back in its restoration and preservation, in my opinion.
100% agree. HMS Victory is a historical treasure & should be preserved regardless of cost. Along with Mikasa, Huascar & USS Texas, Victory is an invaluable piece of history
They have done some impressive engineering work on the supports to stop the hull from sagging.
My belief is contrary: the materials should be used to make whatever the modern needs wood for.
But it should be done with, at the least, great ceremony, and the honor of being granted wood from the original Victory should be reserved to pay special respects to persons, groups, organizations deserving such an honor by both particular achievement and sterling reputation overall.
The basic concept behind the preservation of Titanic -- scanned images -- has much more to work with for Victory, it's much less damaged.
But I should still like to see practical use made of useful materials.
The only rational obstacle I can conceive is ensuring that enough respect and auspice is still involved in any affair of passing down timbers to make, perhaps, coffins for distinguished veterans of the Royal Navy today, or some similar usage of the wood.
No sacrilege is intended at all by my suggestion of practical use, nor desecration of history, no even destruction of monument or heritage.
In fact the opposite is my desire: I would like to see the memory of ships like these and famous buildings to be preserved more perfectly by becoming part of grand tales continuing service through many uses.
What technology can do most magnificently to ease the pain of changing times is to help keep a perfect record in pictures and writing of where persons and material go on and become new persons and materials and pass down traditions through new generations.
If it is politically unviable and the people would be too heartbroken to allow a disassembly even under such terms, well, we will have fossilized the wood, but if the people value it more as a museum object their grief should then I think be respected.
A vote is fair to ask for, and let the people it served decide its fate.
I think it would, however, be nice to imagine pieces of monuments being brought into living use around the world......if it can be done with respect.
Absolutely with respect, or not at all.
*the modern navy. It should be obvious the practical purpose that would be appropriate is something naval in nature.
@@darthparallax5207 Fair enough
The video itself is an art of work, but as a passionate part-time model maker, I must say the small models are a beauty!
And that’s coming from a half Spanish-half Swiss who’s very proud of his Spanish heritage and his personal family heritage which comprises more than 4 centuries of Spanish naval officers.
Immediately on seeing Part Four released, I set about finding the first three and spent the last day watching all four in close succession. As a boyhood reader of Hornblower and in lockdown, reading Master and Commander in its entirety, followed by revisiting all of Hornblower and now these, I think I am sated. Well Done Drach', it is very impressive.
What a superb video, truly excellent with great narration and voice acting! A fitting final episode of a terrific series, thank you Drach!
A brilliant documentary ... Drac, you should be proud of such fine work.
Visiting Portsmouth and the HMS Victory is in my bucket list, along with the USS Constitution in Boston. I have had the good fortune to have visited twice the IJN Mikasa in Yokosuka, Japan (the only remaining pre-dreadnaught battleship) and one trip to the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor. Your video series is excellent.
This episode was well worth the wait. I can't imagine a better manner in which to describe the events, or to present them with more reverence. Thanks Drach!
Any time I see the portraits on the death of Nelson, I'm reminded of standing at that spot on the Victory and being aware that the overhead was considerably smaller. So much so that several who were in attendance were actually stooped over to avoid hitting their heads.
Alex, your long time listeners know your personal connection with HMS Victory and by extension Admiral Nelson. As a long time listener let me just say that you've done a fantastic job on this series, and this video in particular is among some of the very best videos you've produced to date. Well done, sir.
If you don't mind, what is the connection?
What troubles this modern soul is the sophistication of the recounting of these deeds and events by the common men of the time. By God, where are such men now? The absolute nonchalance of the retelling of "we almost got blown to hell, both ships, except for the happy accident of the door" really stands out.
The First Rule of History is to die well, and Lord Nelson probably wins the all-time epic exit from the scene: conceive audacious, unorthodox plan to break the enemy's line. Send awesome signals to your lads on the way in. Break the line yourself, in the lead ship with a badass name like "Victory," for crying out loud, shattering the enemy flagship and generally creating crazy amounts of mayhem. In the moment of epoch-marking victory that will propel your island to world domination for the next century-plus, get cut down by a musket ball through the spine. Carried below, dying, you ask how many of the enemy have surrendered, and then tell everyone you'd really hoped for a few more, because of course you did. Finally, exit scene with a raspy "God and my country," before being buried in a coffin you had made out of *checks notes* your enemy's own ship from your *second* most epic victory ever, because you have several such victories.
You cannot be a mere mortal and die better than that. It's not possible. Everybody else is playing for second place.
That is why Nelsons Column towers above all else.
well since you put it that way..
Beautiful that you left it end with the Last Post. Fitting indeed...😥
Great job. The joy in your voice explaining the models was a bit infectious. Thanks.
You are the best narrator I've EVER heard!
Another brilliant tactic in Nelson's gamble, besides the flagships shielding the rest of the columns from fire in the approach, the men on the other ships SEE their flagships taking that fire FOR them, and I imagine the desire for revenge, the zeal, the fire in the belly was something fierce.
Never thought I’d live to see the day. I will have to watch again from part one to get the full enjoyment!
'The Last Post.' Fitting. Great job, Drach.
Yes and too many people confuse it with Taps
@@jacktattis They sound nothing alike! It can be so frustrating how musically ignorant people can be.
I hope I live long enough to see a high quality movie about this battle, it has allways fascinated me.
Lord Nelson life is a grand story in itself!
They are going to have to make it a trilogy. Trafalgar itself will take up half a movie. Then you have a half hour showing his funeral and wrapping things up.
@@ryanaegis3544 I think Benedict Cumberbatch would do Lord Nelson brilliantly.
Those models are incredible Drach!! I can imagine the comments from Mrs Drach over the last few months “do you really need to do all this for a video?” Response, “yes, my subscribers would expect nothing less!” Love it, your commitment to the cause and attention to detail goes far above and beyond!!!
What happened to all the model ships? Are they now on permanent display in Victory's cabin?
Just to say, I absolutely LOVE the new intro music and don't even skip anymore
I love the way you made the personal recollections sound so modern. It made it so much more immediate
This makes clear how well the French and Spanish fought, and how brilliant Nelson's attack plan was so that he achieved a decisive victory despite this.
the mini hms victory on the hms victory reliving its history is awesome!! the effort is unmatched in naval youtube, thankyou!
This was everything I had hoped it would be. Thanks for the (long awaited) finale!
I’m not sure why but now I’m excited for the eventual 5min guide on HMS Pickle
I do like the irony of the news of Nelson's victory being announced by HMS Pickle while he himself was now inside a barrel, being pickled.
Well done, Drach! To me, it is the best explanation of any battle in the age of sail ever. Including the other voices really added to your otherwise witty banter. Thanks!
Fantastic. Thank you for all the work you have put in to this mini series. It was worth the wait.
Seeing this video in my feed was like seeing a mythical creature
In fairness, it was worth the wait
Drach this is your greatest video ever. Your magnum opus. I've already watched it 4 times from start to finish.
HMS Swiftsure: "THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!!!"
Drach you are the best! Thank you for your diligence !
That was quite the fracas. Thanks for that, Drach, and everyone involved in the telling.
Pretty crazy that you would need sand to soak up all the blood so that the deck isn't slick. Really enjoyed the additional voices, thanks for the video Drachinifel :)
Not so much soak up as for traction -- think skateboard tape, or sand on icy roads in the southern US.
Oh come on... surely somebody else... "HMS Africa... had sailed towards the sound of the guns... and come into the view of the leading Franco-Spanish ship... at about the same time he saw Nelson's Column". Upon which its Captain, Digby, thought "Well, might as well pop into Gordon's Wine Bar while we're here!"
Joking aside, taking on Trafalgar must be one of the most daunting things any naval historian can do. Bloody well done, Drachinifel.
Such scenes of unimaginable violence, the courage just to withstand it is astonishing, never mind to tell of it as cooly as they did. Iron men indeed, all of them. As always Drach does a fantastic job of humanising and making sense of it all.
I'm so mad you passed up the opportunity to say: there is indeed a small HMS Victory on board HMS Victory reenacting HMS Victory's greatest Victory at 1:44
Love the anecdote about Lt John Smith of HMS Africa upon boarding Nuestra Señora de la Santísima Trinidad. "I'm frightfully sorry for disturbing you Admiral. I see you're far to busy fighting with the Neptune to have chat right now. Right, I'll just be on my way then."
7:46 You got something wrong here Drach; Nelson's actual trump-card was the massive brass balls he possessed that meant he probably looked at the larger fleet and thought "If they had a few more ships, it might actually be a fair fight..."
What an absolutely epic documentary. Thankyou for all the hard work and research that must have gone into it. Well done. To the immortal hero
Been so busy following current events I havnt even checked your chanel in months.. if not even over a year.. And now I find out u made ALL THIS SUPERINTERESTING content during all this time. Itll take me weeks to catch up.. TYVM Sir Drach for doin what u doin mate. And remember.. Coffe never tea
Captain Digby of HMS Africa was the cheekiest fellow in the fleet. Catches sight of Santissima Trinidad and pounces on it like apck of seagulls in Finding Nemo, all the while shouting "MINE, MINE MINE"
Thank you for the great effort and incredible dedication you've put into this and all your videos.After 2 years of enjoying them I doubt I could ever live without them ❤
"Sorry for boarding, we thought you had surrendered"
"No problemo, its alright, Be on your way, Adios"
"My deepest apologies, goodbye"
'No problemo, de nada, estar en el camino, adios'
Finally! We get to the good part. Thanks, Drach.
*What an awesome production!!!*
◾️ _Kudos for your models, your guest narrators, and your entire narrative and presentation. You did justice to this very story!_
The very best 4 hours of my life! Amazing series
Hey Drach,
That was epic.
Thank you for the effort, knowledge and entertainment.
Loved it!
I wish you had use those beautiful battle maps you used in parts one and two, minis are nice to look but difficult to follow what its actually happening, finding myself looking for another video of the battle to better follow what is going on, but your narration quite on spot , thxs for your efforts Drach keep up the good work
Your preparations for this left me agog. Brilliant!
Thanks for the whole series, Drach - I have to tell you that that ending affected me deeply. Superb.
I’ve watched a few’ war docs on you tube, this actually takes the piss. So enjoyable and fascinating, maybe enjoyable is a wrong superlative? I thank you for your obvious effort. I’ve had the fortune to visit Portsmouth and walk the decks, constantly banging my head!
This is the first account I have seen which relates "extensive" first hand accounts of this historical battle. Well done indeed! Maybe I missed others but I am in some doubt. After watching several accounts of this battle I find yours the most incisive in understanding the thoughts of the combatants. I am glad they now have had a voice. P.S. Merry Christmas Drach and thank you for your many enjoyable and informative efforts.
Drach, ever think of doing a screenplay for a Nelson movie? I think you have the chops for it. Of course we would have Matthew McConaughey play the lead. Harvey Keitel and Jon Bon Jovi would be key supporting actors.
So many videos of this, but so few with such detail! _congratulations and _*_thanks!_*
A marvelous account of "wooden ships and iron men"! Well done sir!
Impeccable timing, Drach! I just watched the first three parts last night. Nelson was such an interesting person.
One of my favourite episodes. Thank you
I normally like Draco’s videos immediately when I see them. This time I am behind the curve. Great video!