The 21st October.
A day which will, or certainly should, remain one of the proudest in the history of our nation.
What, you may well ask, is the silly old bugger banging-on about now ?
I refer of course to the history-changing & epic Naval engagement, at Cape Trafalgar, off the coast of Spain, on this day in 1805.
However, it was not just a “British” matter. Apart from the English, Irish, Scots & Welsh in the ship’s company (in total 820 strong) it was a resounding success for the citizens of 18 other nationalities too. These included 2 Indians, 2 Swiss, 2 Norwegians, 5 West Indians, 2 Italians, 2 Maltese, 2 Dutchmen, 1 Brazilian, 1 Dane, 3 Swedes & 19 Americans.
In short, it was a victory for all men who seek to live their lives free from totalitarianism.
Which is precisely what would have become of us, had either Napoleon Bonaparte or Adolf Hitler been permitted to realise their ambitions. We owe everlasting gratitude to the men and in subsequent conflicts, women, who paid for that freedom with their lives.
One cannot help but think that Lord Nelson & all the others since must be spinning in their graves at seeing the way in which our craven politicians are selling what they fought and died for, down the river .. for their own venal ends.
I would ask you all to raise a glass with me, this Trafalgar Day and join me in the toast …
“To the Immortal Memory”
Captain Haddock.
.
The Immortal Memory http://t.co/MJvAPnM9 #TrafalgarDay
The Immortal Memory http://t.co/MJvAPnM9 #TrafalgarDay
The Immortal Memory http://t.co/MJvAPnM9 #TrafalgarDay
One of the best posts ever, Max.
I shall pop out this afternoon and buy a bottle of the best Malt. This evening I will do more than you ask Captain.
I will not just toast to the Immortal memory of these brave men, But will toast each race or nationality separately!
Well done Amps ..
Being something of a traditionalist .. as well as being a former Rum Rat (I’ll never forgive that fat twat Hattersley) .. I’ll be raising a glass of “Pusser’s” finest .. ;)
Fuggin’ right, Cap’n. And Waterloo likewise.
Absolutely Wiggy .. though it must be acknowledged that with Nelson playing a blinder at Trafalgar, he nicely set-up Wellington to score the winning goal at Waterloo .. ;)
Max, don’t post anything tomorrow as I doubt if I will be around :-)
Ha ha, can’t promise that … you’ll have to catch up on Sunday, after the hangover has worn off ;-)
I’ll raise a toast to that.
“One cannot help but think that Lord Nelson & all the others since must be spinning in their graves at seeing the way in which our craven politicians are selling what they fought and died for, down the river .. for their own venal ends.”
Couldn’t have put it better myself.
For evil to prosper good men must do nothing. That said there are definitely some signs that people are stirring a little, quietly saying ‘hang on a mo’.’
I rest my case. We have been fighting the French for centuries so why are we in the EU?
“I rest my case. We have been fighting the French for centuries so why are we in the EU? ”
‘Cos history wasn’t “Brave Dave’s” best subject at public school either, Dio ?
“Let the country mourn their hero; I grieve for the loss of the most fascinating companion I ever conversed with— the greatest and most simple of men— one of the nicest and most innocent— interesting beyond all, on shore, in public and even in private life. Men are not always themselves and put on their behaviour with their clothes, but if you live with a man on board a ship for years; if you are continually with him in his cabin, your mind will soon find out how to appreciate him. I could for ever tell you the qualities of this beloved man. I have not shed a tear for years before the 21st of October and since, whenever alone, I am quite like a child”.
Alexander Scott, Chaplain who attended Nelson at his death.
I cannot think of a single member of our governing class who would qualify for this kind of eulogy.
Captain, I will confess to have taken a small restorative at 11:45 hrs this morning … but I’ll do better this evening.
“Death to the French – and Confusion to Our Enemies!”
Very well said “C” ..
I bypassed “Up Spirits and Stand-Fast the Holy Ghost !! ” this morning .. as I had to drive this afternoon ..
But I shall be attending my very own “Mismusters” after dinner .. :) :)
Thanks for the reminder Cap’n. History was never my ‘best’ subject at school.
Sad that we’ve been successful in battles, yet get sold down the river by inept politicians in ‘peacetime’.
We were very nearly sold down the river by Neville Chamberlain & his lily-livered appeals for appeasment with Hitler, just before WWII …
Fortunately, Churchill was made of stronger stuff ..
Yes, an excellent post Cap’n and a glass (or many) will be raised at Farquar Towers in honour. Cheers! … one and all.
Thanks Max .. the same to you & yours .. ;)
Well said Captain.
There’s an excellent post over at All Seeing Eye’s place (link in the blogroll, on this page) ..
Well worth reading ..
Kind of you to say so, Captain…appreciated.
The Immortal Memory
(and of course “A Willing Foe and Sea-Room” ‘cos it’s a Friday)
Thanks Eye ..
Wednesday’s & Saturday’s toasts were always my favourites .. ;)
I’m sitting here with a little “glow” on .. having got halfway down my second post-prandial Two and One … :)
Have drawn on both your posts – many thanks for the inspiration.
http://womanonaraft.blogspot.com/2011/10/trafalgar-pudding.html
The Immortal Memory http://t.co/MJvAPnM9 #TrafalgarDay
Very apt caption Max “wtf??”
Talking about “Immortal Memories”, I think the match today will become one of these.
Agincourt is temporarily suspended, the French lost, but only by one point and together with the All Blacks, gave me the best Rugby Match I have seen.
Even better than when the Springboks beat England, and for me, that’s saying something!