The Life of Horatio Nelson ｜ 1758 - 1805

216 years ago today, an important military figure died in battle. That man was Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson. Nelson was born on September 29, 1758, in Burnhamthorpe, Norfolk County, England to Edmund Nelson and Catherine Suckling. Through a family connection, Nelson joined the Navy at age 12 as a midshipman aboard his uncle Maurice Suckling's ship, the HMS Raisinavel. Nelson would later go on a voyage to the North Pole aboard the HMS Carcass, even though no chosen were allowed. Legend has it a young Nelson fought a polar bear on this voyage, but that is most likely fake or an exaggerated story to help Nelson's reputation. Unfortunately, because of the ice, the HMS Carcass had to turn around before it reached its destination. Nelson was later sent to the Indian Ocean aboard the HMS Seahorse, where he got his first taste of battle. The Seahorse was attacked by an Indian prince named Haida Ali, and after a quick battle, he was driven away. On April 10, 1777, Nelson became acting lieutenant aboard the HMS Worcester, despite lacking his full six years of service. His seamanship and leadership impressed many, including Sir Peter Parker, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Navy in Jamaica. Nelson was soon promoted to Master and Commander of the HMS Badger. He was then promoted to Captain in June 1779, taking command of the HMS Hintonburg. During an attack on the Spanish island of Tenerife, Nelson is shot in his right arm by a musket ball. He would most likely have died if it weren't for his stepson Josiah's help. On August 1, 1798, in Abiquir Bay, Egypt, Nelson ordered an attack on the French fleet commencing the Battle of the Nile. At 1.15 p.m. during the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805, a musket ball struck Nelson in his left shoulder and penetrated his lung. He was then taken below decks, where he unfortunately passed away. Nelson was then buried at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, England in 1806.