British Sailor's Woolwork or Woolie, Memorial to Lord Nelson, "England expects every man to do his duty" 1805.

British Sailor's Woolwork or Woolie.

Memorial to Lord Nelson.

"England expects every man to do his duty" 1805.

The unusual sailor's woolie depicts a standing sailor and Britannia weeping standing before a memorial to Lord Nelson flanked with banners of famous victories of Lord Nelson and Naval ensigns in red, white, and blue.  Below is the famous quote that " England expects every man to do his duty" 1805.

Dimensions: 22 inches high x 28 inches wide.

"England expects that every man will do his duty" was a signal sent by Vice-Admiral of the Royal Navy Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson from his flagship HMS Victory as the Battle of Trafalgar was about to commence on 21 October 1805.

During the battle, as Nelson's fleet closed in on the allied fleet, he ordered Lieutenant John Pasco to signal the British fleet as soon as possible. After Pasco suggested some changes, and Nelson agreeing to them, the signal was sent at around 11:45 am on October 21, 1805, and relayed using a numeric flag code known as the "Telegraphic Signals of Marine Vocabulary".

Although there was much confusion surrounding the precise wording of the signal in the aftermath of the battle, the significance of the victory and Nelson's death during the battle led to the phrase becoming a standard representation of a militant English spirit of courage and virtue in the face of conflict. It has been regularly quoted, paraphrased and referenced up to the modern day.

During the Napoleonic wars, Napoleon planned to invade Britain. To do so, he ordered both the French and Spanish navies to take control of the English channel in order to ensure a safe passage for the Grande Armée. Commanded by Admiral Villeneuve, the allied navy went down to Cape Trafalgar, where they encountered a British Fleet commanded by Horatio Nelson.

On October 21, 1805, The Battle of Trafalgar began, with Nelson's fleet of 27 ships pitted against the combined Spanish and French fleet of 33. In order to secure victory, Nelson sailed his fleet towards the flank of the allied fleet in order to break it up into pieces. The naval battle resulted in 22 allied ships being lost, while the British lost none. As a result, the British were victorious, ensuring their control of the sea and removing the possibility of a French invasion of Britain.

(Ref: NY9872-inpr)

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This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

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