The Rest Is History: Episode 515 - Nelson: Attack the French! (Part 2) Summary

Release Date: November 21, 2024

In the latest installment of The Rest Is History, hosts Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook delve deeper into the tumultuous naval career of Horatio Nelson during the French Revolutionary Wars. This episode, titled "Nelson: Attack the French! (Part 2)," explores Nelson's strategic maneuvers, leadership qualities, and his ongoing rivalry with Napoleon Bonaparte. Through engaging storytelling and insightful analysis, Holland and Sandbrook illuminate the complexities of naval warfare and the personal battles that shaped one of Britain's most celebrated heroes.

Nelson’s Command and Leadership

The episode opens with a vivid portrayal of Nelson's meticulous preparation for naval engagements. As Captain of the HMS Agamemnon, Nelson exemplifies exceptional foresight and care for his crew's well-being. Sandbrook highlights:

“Nelson makes sure that the Agamemnon is exceptionally well-supplied with biscuits, flour, water, beer, wine, and even limes to prevent scurvy” (06:37).

This attention to detail not only ensures the health of his men but also fosters a strong sense of community aboard his ship. Nelson’s commitment to regular services and the provision of prayer and hymn books further underscores his dedication to maintaining morale and discipline.

Recruitment and Crew Composition

Nelson's recruitment strategy reflects his strategic mind and personal connections. By enlisting officers from Norfolk and friends from his Caribbean experiences, he builds a loyal and competent team. A notable addition is his stepson, Josiah, though initially perceived as ineffective, Josiah’s role becomes pivotal later in the episode:

“The bad news is that by common consent, Josiah's absolutely useless and a complete and utter waste of space... although he will feature heroically at the end of this episode” (08:00).

Strategic Operations in Toulon and Corsica

The narrative progresses to the capture and subsequent loss of Toulon, France's major Mediterranean naval base. Nelson’s strategic acumen is evident as he swiftly moves to secure Corsica, recognizing its strategic importance between France and Italy. However, the loss of Toulon and the harsh reprisals by the French highlight the volatile nature of revolutionary warfare.

“Nelson is devastated by this. He writes to Fanny and he says, 'the tragedy of all this is we've actually never been fitter. We've never been better disciplined. We have a really good commander in Jervis, but we are scuttling out of the Mediterranean with our tails between our legs.'” (34:09).

Rivalry with Napoleon Bonaparte

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the unfolding rivalry between Nelson and Napoleon Bonaparte. Both men are depicted as colossal egotists with relentless ambitions, yet their motivations diverge: Napoleon seeks political power, while Nelson is driven by a duty to uphold British naval supremacy.

“Napoleon... genuinely had a little bust of Nelson. Yes, his great rival.” (17:57).

This rivalry is not just personal but emblematic of the broader conflict between revolutionary France and imperial Britain.

Key Naval Engagements and Tactical Brilliance

One of the episode’s highlights is the detailed account of the engagement with the French ships Sa'ira and Sans Culotte. Despite being outgunned, Nelson's tactical brilliance and the superior training of his crew lead to a decisive victory:

“Nelson thinks he will hold his fire until the last moment... pouring these broadsides into the sides of the Sa'ira. And because the Sa'ira is so large, the Agamemnon is much faster, it is deadlier. It's like a kind of cobra striking at an elephant.” (28:40).

The minimal casualties on Nelson's side versus the heavy losses inflicted on the French illustrate the effectiveness of his aggressive tactics.

Admiral John Jervis and Fleet Reorganization

The introduction of Admiral John Jervis marks a turning point in British naval operations. Known as "Old Oak" for his sturdy physique, Jervis brings a strict regimen to the fleet, improving discipline and readiness. His leadership style complements Nelson’s boldness, creating a formidable command structure.

“Nelson and the other younger captains love Jervis. They're like, brilliant. This is a guy who will take the war to the French.” (32:26).

Nelson’s Injury and Resilience

A dramatic moment occurs when Nelson sustains a severe injury to his right eye during the siege of Calvi. Despite the agony and the lasting impairment, Nelson's resilience shines through as he downplays the severity of his injury to avoid demoralizing his crew:

“He writes to Fanny, literally just a little scratch. But he's not telling her the truth. He's deliberately hiding the fact that he will never be able to see out of that eye again.” (24:48).

This injury does not deter him; instead, it fuels his determination to continue his mission against the French.

The Prelude to the Battle of Cape St. Vincent

As the episode approaches its conclusion, the stage is set for the climactic Battle of Cape St. Vincent. Nelson's dynamic leadership and Jervis's strategic oversight position the British fleet for what promises to be a historic confrontation with the Spanish fleet:

“The fleets are lining up off the Cape of St. Vincent, and what will ensue the following day is one of the most extraordinary and heroic battles in the entire history of the Royal Navy.” (37:29).

Conclusion

Episode 515 of The Rest Is History offers a compelling exploration of Horatio Nelson's naval campaigns, his leadership style, and his interactions with contemporaries like Admiral John Jervis and Napoleon Bonaparte. Through meticulous research and engaging dialogue, Holland and Sandbrook bring to life the maritime strategies and personal dramas that defined Nelson's quest for naval dominance. This episode not only underscores Nelson's tactical genius but also sets the stage for the forthcoming intense naval battles that would cement his legacy.

Notable Quotes:

• Dominic Sandbrook at 06:37:

  “Nelson makes sure that the Agamemnon is exceptionally well-supplied with biscuits, flour, water, beer, wine, and even limes to prevent scurvy.”

• Tom Holland at 28:40:

  “Nelson thinks he will hold his fire until the last moment... it's like a kind of cobra striking at an elephant.”

• Dominic Sandbrook at 24:48:

  “He's not telling her the truth. He's deliberately hiding the fact that he will never be able to see out of that eye again.”

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