Painting of the Month

The Temeraire in Battle

The 'Temeraire' was a 98-gun, three-decked 'ship of the line' that had been launched in 1798, during the French Revolutionary War. Her name is a French word that means 'bold' or 'fearless'.

On 21 October 1805, under the command of Captain Eliab Harvey, she had a chance to prove that this was indeed a fitting name. The occasion was the Battle of Trafalgar. When Admiral Nelson's flagship, the 'Victory', came under heavy fire from the French, the 'Temeraire' came to her defence. After a series of daring manoeuvres, she not only saved Nelson's vessel, but also captured two French ships. Nelson died, but the British won the battle. The part the 'Temeraire' played in the action was commended as 'most noble and distinguished'.

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