nelson 1st nelson nelson 1st nelson 1st duke september october british flag officer royal_navy noted inspirational leadership superb grasp strategy unconventional tactics resulted number decisive naval victories particularly napoleonic wars wounded times combat losing arm unsuccessful attempt conquer santa sight eye shot killed final victory battle nelson born moderately prosperous norfolk family joined navy influence uncle rose rapidly ranks served leading naval commanders period obtaining command developed reputation service personal firm grasp tactics suffered periods illness unemployment end american war independence outbreak french revolutionary wars allowed nelson return service particularly active mediterranean fought minor engagements toulon important capture subsequent diplomatic duties italian states distinguished command hms captain battle cape vincent shortly battle nelson took battle santa attack defeated badly wounded losing right arm forced return england following year won decisive victory french battle remained mediterranean support kingdom naples french invasion dispatched baltic won victory time battle copenhagen subsequently commanded blockade french spanish fleets toulon escape chased west_indies failed bring battle brief return england took blockade october franco spanish fleet came port nelson fleet engaged battle battle britain greatest naval victory action nelson aboard hms victory fatally wounded french body brought england accorded state funeral nelson death secured position britain heroic figures significance victory death battle led signal england man duty regularly quoted referenced modern day numerous monuments including nelson column square london nelson monument edinburgh created memory legacy remains highly influential early life nelson born september norfolk england sixth children reverend nelson wife catherine named godfather 2nd baron mother died december years old robert 1st earl facto prime minister great_britain lived village suffolk married reverend nelson church suffolk nelson aunt alice nelson wife reverend robert rector norfolk grandmother sir robert twice served lord high chancellor great_britain nelson attended grammar school north years old attended king edward grammar school naval career began january reported rate hms ordinary maternal uncle captain commanded vessel shortly reporting aboard nelson appointed began officer training early service nelson discovered suffered chronic complaint rest life early naval career hms commissioned period tension spain passed transferred hms triumph nelson dispatched serve aboard west mary ann merchant shipping firm order gain experience sea sailed kent july sailing jamaica returning plymouth july twice crossed atlantic returning serve uncle commander carried men dispatches shore nelson learned planned expedition command constantine intended survey passage arctic hoped india reached northwest passage nephew request arranged nelson join expedition commander aboard converted bomb vessel hms expedition reached degrees north pole unable find way dense ice forced turn began story ship trapped ice nelson seen pursued polar bear ordered return ship later version reported nelson companion given chase bear questioned replied wished sir skin father nelson briefly returned triumph expedition return britain september arranged transfer hms ships sail east indies nelson sailed east indies november arrived british outpost madras nelson spent rest year cruising coast escorting outbreak anglo war british fleet operated support east india company early dispatched carry cargo company money bombay february ali attacked drove brief exchange fire nelson experience battle rest year spent escorting convoys continued develop navigation ship handling skills early nelson contracted malaria seriously ill discharged march returned england aboard hms nelson spent month voyage recovered time arrived britain september patron risen post navy influence help nelson gain promotion nelson appointed acting lieutenant aboard hms worcester sail gibraltar worcester command captain mark robinson sailed convoy escort december returned convoy april nelson travelled london lieutenant examination april examining board consisted captains john campbell north uncle nelson passed day received commission appointment hms preparing sail jamaica captain william locker sailed arrived july carried cruises caribbean waters outbreak american war independence took prizes taken navy service tender little nelson asked given command took cruises giving taste command gave nelson opportunity explore fledgling interest science cruise nelson led expeditionary party islands detailed notes wildlife particular bird believed white locker impressed nelson abilities recommended new commander chief jamaica sir peter parker parker duly took nelson flagship hms bristol entry french war support americans meant targets parker fleet took prizes end brought nelson estimated prize money parker subsequently appointed master commander brig hms december nelson spent cruising central american coast ranging far british settlements british honduras belize nicaragua success interception enemy prizes return port royal learned parker promoted post captain june intended command nelson handed awaited arrival new ship gun frigate hms newly captured french nelson waited news reached parker french fleet command charles approaching jamaica parker hastily organized defences placed nelson command fort charles covered approaches kingston instead headed north anticipated invasion nelson duly took command september sailed port royal october company british ships proceeded capture number american prizes return jamaica december nelson began troubled attack malaria remained west_indies order major general john attempt capture spanish colonies central_america including assault fortress conception called san_juan river nicaragua sailed jamaica february escort invasion force sailing mouth san_juan river nelson thousand men small pounder cannon obtained surrender spanish defenders week siege british blew fort evacuated months later suffering deaths disease nelson praised efforts parker recalled nelson gave command gun frigate hms nelson fallen seriously ill costa_rica probably malaria unable command time black named mistress fellow captain william discharged august returned britain aboard hms lion arriving late november nelson gradually recovered months soon began command appointed frigate hms august command captain nelson received orders october newly refitted sea instructed collect convoy russia company escort britain operation admiralty placed frigates hms hms enterprise command nelson successfully organised convoy escorted british waters left convoy return port severe storms hampered wrecked poorly designed ship earlier accident left damaged nelson eventually brought portsmouth february admiralty ordered fit sea join escort convoy collecting ireland sail quebec canada nelson arrived newfoundland convoy late detached cruise hunt american nelson generally unsuccessful succeeded captured british merchant ships capturing number small fishing boats craft august narrow escape far superior french force louis prolonged chase nelson arrived quebec september sailed escort convoy new_york arrived mid november reported admiral samuel hood commander new_york station nelson request hood transferred fleet sailed company hood bound west_indies arrival british fleet took position jamaica await arrival force nelson ordered scout numerous passages signs enemy clear early french hood scouting operations nelson developed plan assault french garrison turks islands commanding small flotilla frigates smaller vessels landed force seamen marines early morning march supporting bombardment french found heavily entrenched hours nelson called assault officers involved criticised nelson hood appear nelson spent rest war cruising west_indies captured number french spanish prizes news peace reached hood nelson returned britain late june island marriage nelson visited france late stayed acquaintances saint briefly attempted learn french returned england january attended court lord hood entourage influenced politics time contemplated standing parliament supporter william unable find seat received command frigate hms assignment enforce navigation acts vicinity antigua acts unpopular americans colonies nelson served station admiral sir richard hughes came conflict superior officer differing interpretation acts captains american vessels nelson seized sued illegal seizure merchants nearby island supported american claim nelson imprisonment remained months courts ruled favour interim nelson met young widow plantation family nelson married estate island march shortly end tour duty caribbean marriage registered tree church john parish nelson returned england july following later peace nelson remained paid november year divided time bath london occasionally visiting nelson relations norfolk settled nelson childhood home reserve half pay attempted persuade admiralty senior figures acquainted hood provide command unsuccessful ships peacetime navy hood behalf nelson spent time trying find employment crew members attending family affairs contacts navy posting french revolutionary government annexed austrian netherlands modern belgium traditionally preserved state admiralty recalled nelson service gave command gun hms january february france declared war mediterranean service nelson sailed division command vice admiral william joined later month rest lord hood fleet force initially sailed gibraltar intention establishing naval superiority mediterranean way toulon port july toulon largely control moderate republicans threatened forces national convention marching city short supplies ability defend city authorities requested hood protection hood readily sent nelson carry dispatches naples requesting reinforcements delivering dispatches arrived naples early september nelson met ferdinand king naples followed british ambassador kingdom william hamilton point negotiations reinforcements nelson introduced hamilton new wife emma hamilton negotiations successful men ships mustered mid september nelson sea pursuit french frigate failing catch sailed arrived toulon october found large french army occupied hills surrounding city bombarding hood hoped city held reinforcements arrived sent nelson join squadron operating early morning october sighted sails nelson closed discovered french squadron promptly gave chase firing gun inflicted considerable damage remaining french ships turned join battle realising outnumbered nelson withdrew continued arriving october making repairs nelson sailed october bound squadron commodore robert arrival nelson given command small squadron consisting frigates sloop ordered blockade french garrison fall toulon end december severely damaged british fortunes mediterranean hood failed adequate provision withdrawal french ships line fell republican hands nelson mission took added significance provide british naval base close french coast hood reinforced nelson extra ships january british assault force landed island february nelson moved intensify blockade rest month carried raids coast intercepted enemy shipping late february fallen british troops lieutenant general david entered outskirts merely assessed enemy positions withdrew arguing french entrenched risk assault nelson convinced hood protracted debate army naval commanders meant nelson receive permission proceed late march nelson began land guns ships hills surrounding town april british squadron entered harbour opened fire whilst nelson took command land forces commenced bombardment days town surrendered nelson subsequently prepared assault working company lieutenant general charles stuart british forces landed june immediately began moving guns ashore occupy heights surrounding town nelson directed continuous bombardment enemy positions stuart men began advance july nelson forward batteries early morning shot struck protecting position stones sand nelson struck debris right eye forced retire position wound soon returned action july enemy positions disabled night stuart supported nelson stormed main defensive position captured guns british brought constant bombardment town surrendered august nelson right eye damaged eventually lost sight genoa fight occupation hood ordered nelson open diplomatic relations city state genoa strategically important potential ally soon hood returned england succeeded admiral william commander chief mediterranean nelson underwent repairs met naval officers port entertained brief affair local woman adelaide arrived rest fleet december nelson sailed number cruises late early march news reached french fleet sea heading immediately set intercept nelson anticipated fleet action french reluctant engage fleets march following day french ships collided allowing nelson engage larger gun half hours arrival french ships forced nelson away having inflicted heavy casualties considerable damage fleets continued shadow making contact march battle genoa nelson joined british ships attacking battered tow heavily damaged french ships forced surrender nelson took possession defeated sea french abandoned plan invade returned port skirmishes retreat italy nelson fleet remained mediterranean summer july sailed small force frigates bound genoa july nelson ran french fleet found pursued larger ships line retreated arriving ahead pursuing french broke nelson signal guns alerted british fleet harbour pursued french islands failed bring decisive action number small engagements fought nelson dismay saw little action nelson returned operate genoa cutting suspicious vessels enemy neutral nelson formulated ambitious plans amphibious landings naval assaults progress french army italy advancing genoa little interest november replaced sir parker situation italy rapidly deteriorating french raiding genoa strong sentiment city large french assault end november broke allied lines forcing general retreat genoa nelson forces able cover withdrawing army prevent surrounded ships men alter strategic situation british forced withdraw italian ports nelson returned november angry depressed british failure questioning future navy evacuation mediterranean january position commander chief fleet mediterranean passed sir john appointed nelson exercise independent command ships blockading french coast commodore nelson spent half year conducting operations french advances bolster britain italian allies despite minor successes small french warships action nelson squadron captured convoy seven small vessels nelson began feel british presence italian peninsula rapidly useless june sent britain repairs nelson appointed gun hms captain month french thrust certain capture city nelson oversee evacuation british nationals transported ordered blockade newly captured french port july oversaw occupation september broken neutrality declare favour french october position continued french advances led british decide mediterranean_fleet longer supplied ordered evacuated gibraltar nelson helped oversee withdrawal december aboard frigate hms covering evacuation garrison sailed gibraltar passage nelson captured spanish frigate santa placed thomas hardy charge captured vessel taking spanish captain board santa larger spanish force following morning spanish ships line frigate sighted closing fast unable nelson initially determined fight hardy raised british colours sailed northeast drawing spanish ships captured giving nelson opportunity escape nelson went rendezvous british fleet spent christmas sailed gibraltar late january learning spanish fleet sailed stopped long collect hardy rest prize crew captured santa pressing straits join sir john admiralty battle cape vincent nelson joined fleet cape vincent reported spanish movements decided battle fleets met february nelson found rear british line realised long time bring captain action instead continuing follow line nelson orders wore ship breaking line heading engage spanish van consisted gun san gun san gun trinidad captain engaged assisted hms come nelson aid hour exchanging left captain badly damaged nelson found alongside san led boarding party crying westminster abbey glorious victory forced surrender san attempted come san aid left nelson led party deck san san captured night fell spanish fleet broke sailed ships surrendered british nelson nelson victorious direct orders liked nelson officially mention nelson actions official report battle write private letter george said nelson contributed fortune day nelson wrote letters victory reporting action referred fleet nelson patent bridge boarding rates nelson account later challenged rear admiral william parker aboard hms prince george parker claimed nelson supported ships acknowledged san struck colours time nelson boarded nelson account role prevailed victory received britain earl vincent nelson knight bath february standard promotion according unrelated battle promoted rear admiral blue action nelson given hms flagship ordered lie monitoring spanish fleet awaiting arrival spanish treasure ships american colonies carried bombardment personally led amphibious assault july action nelson barge collided spanish commander hand hand struggle ensued crews twice nelson nearly cut times life saved named john took blows badly wounded british raiding force captured spanish boat towed period nelson developed scheme capture santa aiming seize large quantity treasure ship reported recently arrived battle santa battle plan called combination naval amphibious landing initial attempt called adverse currents hampered assault element surprise lost nelson immediately ordered assault beaten prepared attempt place night personally led battalions operation ended failure spanish better prepared expected secured strong defensive positions boats failed land correct positions confusion swept gunfire nelson boat reached intended landing point stepped ashore hit right arm fractured bone multiple places rowed attended surgeon thomas arriving ship refused helped aboard declaring let got legs left arm taken surgeon instructing prepare instruments sooner better right arm half hour nelson returned issuing orders captains years later excuse commodore john thomas writing longer letters naturally left handed developed sensation phantom limb lost arm later declared found direct evidence existence soul force sir thomas fought way main square unable return fleet boats sunk forced enter negotiations spanish commander british subsequently allowed withdraw expedition failed achieve objectives left quarter landing force dead wounded squadron remained days august rejoined fleet nelson wrote left handed admiral considered useful sooner humble cottage better room better man serve state returned england aboard hms arriving september met hero welcome british public nelson cape vincent wound earned sympathy refused attribute defeat preferring instead blame poor planning vincent secretary war william return england nelson returned bath moving london october seek expert medical attention concerning arm whilst london news reached admiral duncan defeated dutch fleet battle nelson given arm present spent months london awarded freedom city london annual pension year money buy round wood farm near intended retire despite plans nelson live unable remove central arm caused considerable poisoning early december came accord nelson rapidly began recover eager return sea began command promised gun hms ready sea nelson instead given command gun hms vanguard appointed edward flag captain french activities mediterranean theatre raising concern admiralty napoleon gathering forces southern france destination army unknown nelson vanguard dispatched reinforce fleet march nelson hoisted flag sailed join earl vincent vincent sent toulon small force french activities hunting french nelson passed straits gibraltar took position toulon squadron dispersed blown southwards strong gale struck area british battling storm napoleon sailed invasion fleet command vice admiral paul nelson having reinforced number ships vincent went pursuit began searching italian coast napoleon fleet hampered lack frigates operate fast scouts napoleon arrived malta force secured island surrender nelson followed french left conference captains decided egypt napoleon likely destination headed alexandria arrival june found sign french dismayed withdrew began searching east port absent napoleon fleet arrived july landed forces unopposed anchored fleet bay ready support napoleon required nelson crossed mediterranean fruitless attempt locate french returned naples provision sailed intending search seas cyprus decided pass alexandria final check force captured french merchant ship provided news french fleet passed south east crete month heading alexandria nelson port found french searching coast finally discovered french fleet bay august battle nelson immediately prepared battle repeating sentiment expressed battle cape vincent time tomorrow shall gained westminster abbey late time british arrived french anchored strong position combined firepower greater nelson fleet expect attack nelson immediately ordered ships advance french line anchored close line belief secure port attack assumed british follow convention attack centre starboard captain thomas aboard hms discovered gap french ships took channel unprepared french found attacked sides british fleet splitting following passing starboard french line british fleet soon heavily engaged passing french line engaging ships nelson vanguard personally engaged coming fire clock quarter deck piece french shot struck forehead fell deck torn skin good eye blinded half stunned felt sure die cried killed remember wife taken seen surgeon examining nelson surgeon pronounced wound non threatening applied temporary french van british fire sides begun surrender victorious british ships continued line bringing gun flagship orient constant heavy fire orient caught fire bombardment later exploded nelson briefly came deck direct battle returned surgeon watching destruction orient battle major blow napoleon ambitions east fleet destroyed orient ship frigates burnt seven gun ships gun ships captured ships line frigates escaped forces napoleon brought egypt stranded napoleon attacked north mediterranean coast turkish defenders supported captain sir smith defeated army siege acre napoleon left army sailed france detection british ships given strategic importance historians regard nelson achievement significant career greater seven years later rewards nelson wrote dispatches admiralty oversaw temporary repairs vanguard sailing naples met enthusiastic celebrations king naples company greeted person arrived port william hamilton invited nelson stay house celebrations held honour nelson birthday september attended banquet officers begun notice attention emma begun grow concerned reports nelson behaviour early october word nelson victory reached london lord admiralty earl hearing news scenes celebration erupted country balls victory held church bells city london awarded nelson captains swords whilst king ordered presented special medals russia sent gift iii sultan ottoman_empire awarded nelson order turkish crescent role restoring ottoman rule egypt lord hood conversation prime minister told nelson likely given similar cape vincent duncan earl arguing nelson detached command squadron commander chief fleet award create precedent instead nelson received title baron nelson campaign nelson dismayed decision declared received title mere attention citizens naples prestige accorded kingdom elite received residence frequent visits attend functions honour tour nearby attractions emma fallen deeply love constantly orders arrived admiralty blockade french forces alexandria malta task nelson delegated captains samuel hood alexander ball despite enjoying lifestyle naples nelson began think returning england king ferdinand naples long period pressure wife maria austria sir william hamilton finally agreed declare war france army led austrian general supported nelson fleet retook rome french late november french outside city reinforced routed disarray army fled naples pursuing french close nelson hastily organised evacuation royal family nobles british nationals including evacuation got way december sailed heavy reaching safety december departure royal family naples descended anarchy news reached january french entered city general proclaimed republic nelson promoted rear admiral red february occupied months blockading naples popular counter revolutionary force cardinal known marched retake city late june army entered naples forcing french supporters withdraw city fortifications rioting looting broke ill disciplined troops dismayed agreed general amnesty forces allowed safe conduct france nelson aboard outraged backed king ferdinand insisted rebels surrender took surrendered amnesty armed guard including admiral commanded navy king ferdinand changed sides brief rule nelson ordered trial court martial refused request held british officers allowed summon witnesses defence tried royalist officers sentenced death asked shot hanged nelson following wishes queen maria close friend mistress lady hamilton refused request ignored court request allow hours prepare hanged aboard frigate clock afternoon nelson kept imprisoned approved wave executions refusing intervene despite pleas queen naples transports finally allowed carry france alive august king ferdinand gave nelson newly created kingdom sicily perpetual property castle accompanying abbey land city reward support monarchy nelson returned august september senior officer mediterranean successor lord keith left chase french spanish fleets atlantic nelson spent rest court sea february lord keith return february survivor sighted nelson gave chase capturing short battle winning keith approval nelson difficult relationship superior officer gaining reputation having initially refused send ships keith requested occasion returning orders pleading poor health keith reports rumours nelson close relationship emma hamilton circulating london earl wrote pointed letter suggesting return home likely recover health strength england inactive situation foreign court pleasing respect gratitude shown services return england recall sir william hamilton britain incentive nelson return initially sailed naples brief cruise malta aboard april voyage emma illegitimate daughter probably conceived cruise nelson conveyed queen naples suite arrival nelson shifted flag hms alexander keith orders refusing join main fleet keith came person demand explanation refused moved queen pleas allow conveyed british ship face keith demands nelson reluctantly struck flag emma hamilton request return england land nelson british travellers left florence july stops vienna spending weeks entertained local nobility heard bears nelson september prague later called dresden hamburg caught ship great arriving november nelson given hero welcome sworn freeman borough received crowd applause subsequently way london arriving november attended court guest honour number balls period nelson emma hamilton met time period nelson reported cold distant wife attention emma subject gossip marriage breaking nelson began hate room events came head christmas according nelson solicitor issued ultimatum choose emma nelson replied love forget obligations lady hamilton speak affection admiration lived parker baltic shortly arrival england nelson appointed second command channel_fleet lord vincent promoted vice admiral blue january travelled plymouth january granted freedom city january emma gave birth daughter nelson delighted subsequently disappointed instructed flag hms san hms george preparation planned expedition baltic tired british ships imposing blockade french trade stopping searching russian prussian danish swedish governments formed alliance break blockade nelson joined admiral sir parker fleet sailed danish coast march arrival parker inclined blockade denmark control entrance baltic nelson urged pre attack danish fleet harbour copenhagen convinced parker allow assault given significant reinforcements parker wait covering nelson fleet case arrival swedish russian fleets battle copenhagen morning april nelson began advance copenhagen harbour battle began badly british hms hms hms russell running aground rest fleet encountering heavier fire danish shore batteries anticipated parker sent signal nelson withdraw reasoning signal recall nelson sake condition continue action disregard excuse retreat blame attached nelson directing action aboard hms elephant informed signal signal lieutenant frederick angrily responded told look danish commodore let know surrendered eyes fixed turned flag captain thomas said know eye right blind raised blind eye said signal battle lasted hours leaving danish british fleets heavily damaged length nelson dispatched letter danish commander crown prince frederick calling truce prince accepted parker approved nelson actions retrospect nelson given honour going copenhagen day open formal negotiations banquet evening told prince frederick battle severe outcome battle weeks ensuing negotiations week armistice parker recall nelson commander chief baltic_sea reward victory created nelson county norfolk addition august created baron nelson county norfolk time special remainder father sisters nelson subsequently sailed russian naval base learned pact armed neutrality disbanded satisfied outcome expedition returned england arriving july leave england france napoleon forces invade great_britain brief spell london visited nelson placed charge defending english channel prevent invasion spent summer french coast apart failed attack august saw little action october peace signed british french nelson poor health retired britain stayed sir william lady hamilton october nelson spoke support government house_of_lords regular visits attend sessions embarked tour england wales visiting birmingham gloucester numerous towns villages nelson found received hero centre celebrations events held honour nelson bought place country estate surrey south west london lived briefly william death april following month war broke nelson prepared return sea return sea nelson appointed commander chief mediterranean_fleet given rate hms victory flagship joined portsmouth received orders sail malta command squadron joining blockade toulon nelson arrived toulon july spent year half enforcing blockade promoted vice admiral white sea april january french fleet admiral charles escaped toulon blockading british nelson set pursuit searching eastern mediterranean learned french blown toulon managed break second time april time succeeded passing gibraltar atlantic bound west_indies nelson gave chase arriving caribbean spent june fruitless search fleet briefly cruised islands heading europe napoleon orders returning french fleet intercepted british fleet sir robert engaged battle cape managed reach minor losses nelson returned gibraltar end july travelled england dismayed failure bring french battle expecting surprise given reception crowds gathered view arrival senior british officials congratulated sustaining close pursuit credited saving west_indies french invasion nelson stayed briefly london went visiting emma arriving late august entertained number friends relations coming month began plans grand engagement enemy fleet surprise foes forcing battle captain henry arrived early september bringing news french spanish fleets combined currently anchor nelson london met cabinet ministers given command fleet blockading attending meetings september lord secretary state war colonies nelson major general arthur future duke wellington met briefly waiting room wellington waiting indian operations nelson chase future plans wellington later recalled nelson entered conversation conversation reality style vain silly surprise disgust minutes nelson left room having told companion returned entered earnest intelligent discussion young lasted quarter hour war state colonies situation left marked impression meeting men nelson returned briefly set affairs order bid farewell emma travelling london portsmouth arriving early morning september george inn friends george rose vice president board trade george canning treasurer navy breakfast word spread nelson presence inn large crowd gathered accompanied nelson barge nelson acknowledged raising hat nelson recorded having turned colleague stated hearts robert reported nelson walk dock tears blessed passed victory joined british fleet september nelson taking rear admiral spent following weeks preparing tactics anticipated battle dining captains ensure understood intentions nelson devised plan attack anticipated allied fleet form traditional line battle drawing experience copenhagen examples duncan nelson decided split fleet squadrons forming similar line parallel enemy squadrons cut enemy line number places allowing battle develop british ships destroy parts opponents formation enemy ships come aid battle preparation combined french spanish fleet command numbered ships line napoleon intended sail english channel cover planned invasion britain entry austria russia war forced napoleon planned invasion transfer troops germany reluctant risk engagement british reluctance led napoleon order vice admiral command fleet sail mediterranean land troops naples making port toulon decided sail fleet successor arrived october fleet sighted making way harbour patrolling british frigates nelson informed appeared heading west clock morning october nelson ordered victory turn approaching enemy fleet signalled rest force battle stations went returning quarterdeck carry inspection despite having ships nelson confident success declaring satisfied taking fewer prizes returned briefly cabin write final prayer joined victory signal lieutenant john wish fleet england man duty quick signal close action suggested changing signal book signalled use single flag letter letter nelson agreed signal hoisted fleets victory captain thomas hardy suggested nelson remove decorations coat easily identified enemy nelson replied late shifting coat adding military orders fear enemy captain henry frigate hms suggested nelson come aboard ship better observe battle nelson refused turned hardy suggestion let harvey hms come ahead victory lead line battle battle joined victory came fire initially passing wide greater accuracy distances decreased struck killed nelson secretary john scott nearly cutting hardy clerk took immediately killed victory wheel shot away cut marines hardy standing nelson quarterdeck shoe splinter nelson observed warm work long victory reached enemy line hardy asked nelson ship engage nelson told pick hardy moved victory stern gun french flagship victory came fire gun lying stern gun trinidad enemy ships fired victory deck rigging nelson hardy continued walk directing giving orders wounding death shortly clock hardy realised nelson turned nelson kneeling deck supporting hand falling hardy rushed point nelson hardy believe backbone shot hit firing range feet bullet entered left shoulder passed spine sixth seventh lodged inches right shoulder blade muscles nelson carried sergeant major marines robert seamen carried asked pause gave advice handling face avoid causing alarm crew taken surgeon william telling short time live shot nelson comfortable brought wine drink complained feeling hot asked times hardy deck supervising battle asked remember emma daughter friends hardy came nelson half past informed number enemy ships surrendered nelson told sure die pass possessions emma nelson point chaplain alexander scott walter nelson steward nelson fearing gale blowing instructed hardy sure anchor reminding care poor lady hamilton nelson said kiss hardy recorded hardy kissed nelson cheek stood minute kissing forehead nelson asked hearing hardy replied god hardy weak nelson continued instructions scott fan fan drink drink heard nelson thank god duty returned nelson voice faded pulse weak looked took pulse closed eyes scott remained nelson died recorded words god country nelson died half past hours shot return england nelson body placed mixed victory mainmast placed guard victory towed gibraltar battle arrival body transferred lead lined coffin filled spirits wine dispatches battle carried england aboard hms news arrived london messenger sent place bring news nelson death emma hamilton later recalled brought word admiralty directly said came pale faint voice said gained great victory mind victory said letters letters captain unable speak tears eyes face believe gave scream fell hours speak shed tear king george iii receiving news alleged said tears lost gained times reported know country gained splendid decisive victory naval annals england purchased tribute nelson offered sea sailors vice admiral passing russian squadron learning death funeral nelson body victory conveyed commander grey yacht chatham placed lead coffin wooden mast orient salvaged battle lay state painted hall days taken aboard barge accompanied lord hood chief sir peter parker prince wales prince wales announced intention attending funeral chief later attended private capacity brothers father george iii reminded protocol heir throne attend members royal family coffin taken admiralty night attended nelson chaplain alexander scott day january funeral procession consisting captains escort soldiers took coffin admiralty paul cathedral hour service interred originally carved cardinal sailors charged folding flag nelson coffin placing grave instead tore fragments taking piece assessment nelson regarded highly effective leader able needs men based command love authority inspiring superiors subordinates considerable courage commitment charisma dubbed nelson touch nelson combined talent adept grasp strategy politics making highly successful naval commander nelson personality complex characterised desire noticed superiors public easily praise dismayed felt given sufficient credit actions led risks enthusiastically resultant successes nelson highly confident abilities determined able important decisions active career meant considerably experienced combat judge opponents able identify exploit enemies weaknesses prone violent mood swings extremely vain loved receive decorations tributes praise despite personality remained highly professional leader driven life strong sense duty nelson fame reached new heights death came regarded britain greatest military heroes ranked alongside duke duke wellington bbc greatest programme nelson voted ninth greatest time aspects nelson life career controversial lifetime death affair emma hamilton widely remarked disapproved extent emma denied permission attend nelson funeral subsequently ignored government awarded money titles nelson legitimate family nelson actions naples subject debate approval wave surrendered terms agreed cardinal personal intervention securing execution considered biographers robert breach honour prominent contemporary politician charles james fox attacked nelson actions naples declaring house_of_commons wish atrocities hear man fear belong exclusively french naples instance called delivered informed stained murders ferocious kind heart besieged rebels demanded british officer brought forward terms british sailed property confiscated numbers thrown dungeons understand notwithstanding british guarantee actually executed pro republican writers produced books pamphlets events naples atrocities later assessments including andrew stressed armistice authorised king naples retribution unusual time suggests nelson fact acted end ships men restore order city legacy nelson influence continued long death saw periodic interest especially times crisis britain 1860s poet alfred appealed image tradition nelson order oppose defence cuts prime minister william sea lord fisher keen nelson early years twentieth century emphasised legacy period naval reform winston_churchill found nelson source inspiration second world war nelson frequently depicted art literature appeared paintings benjamin west arthur william books biographies john james clarke robert nelson celebrated commemorated numerous songs written life following death nelson victory battle commemorated battle favorite patriotic song thomas nelson tomb favourite song commemorates nelson death battle number monuments memorials constructed country abroad honour memory achievements work beginning dublin monument nelson nelson pillar subsequently destroyed montreal statue started completed followed world london square created memory nelson column finished royal society arts blue plaque unveiled commemorate nelson new bond street titles nelson titles inscribed coffin read funeral king arms sir heard noble lord nelson baron nelson county norfolk baron nelson said county knight honourable order bath vice admiral white squadron fleet commander chief majesty ships vessels mediterranean duke kingdom sicily knight grand cross order ferdinand merit member ottoman order crescent knight grand commander order colonel royal marines voted freeman bath salisbury exeter plymouth sandwich oxford worcester university_of_oxford congregation bestowed honorary degree doctor civil law nelson july nelson created duke kingdom sicily existing nobility kingdom king ferdinand briefly experimenting signature nelson signed nelson rest life nelson legitimate children daughter subsequently married philip ward children death lord nelson died legitimate issue created county norfolk extinct death created county norfolk passed special remainder included lord nelson father sisters male issue lord nelson brother reverend william nelson william nelson created earl nelson county surrey recognition brother services inherited arms originally granted confirmed october original nelson family arms altered accommodate naval victories battle cape vincent nelson dubbed knight bath granted supporters sailor lion honour battle crown granted arms chief palm tree disabled ship battery waves sea proper motto let earned bear palm latin added supporters palm branch hand sailor lion tri colored flag staff mouth death older brother heir granted overall word


john john latin greek 6th century byzantine general participated war served north_africa regional military governor years sent east wars distinguished battles noticed agents byzantine emperor summer chose john assume overall command byzantine forces africa succession revolts indigenous tribes imperial army seriously reduced byzantine position quickly secured initial victory winter defeated summer tribes africa laid open destructive raids reorganized army secured assistance tribal leaders confronted decisively defeated tribal coalition fields summer victory spelled end revolt heralded era peace africa involved gothic war twice sending troops italy assist john exploits especially africa subject latin epic poem antiquity tale john war main source life origins early career africa east exact origins john unclear born peculiar surname indicate greek macedonia according information provided 6th century historian son certain brother named married daughter king probably son peter john mentioned having participated war identifiable john commanded unit battles remained province africa departure participated expeditions solomon time probably local military governor probably mentioned leading successful expeditions tribe fought army participating victory solomon successor decisive battle spring battle commanders cavalry byzantine army right wing according historian defeated driven men losing standards process battle resulted imperial victory distinguished battle probably point sent eastern frontier appointed important military commands region position arrested member embassy sent king attack byzantium war broke according john scored number successes persian army defeated general near led army successful night attack persian force besieging defeated persian army besieging capturing general gives different account battle indicating saved sudden persian attack mention incidents maintains john congratulated performance emperor advisors sent supervise war high command africa absence africa situation turbulent remained province succeeded restoring discipline army core territories africa succeeded solomon began second tenure great success defeating mountains establishing control revolt solomon killed battle successor nephew incompetent defeated recalled replaced senator murdered spring military revolt led general intended declare independent constantinople soon murdered armenian need new capable leader africa apparent constantinople truce signed persia emperor implies acting advice recalled east having report situation constantinople emperor placed head new army sent africa new late summer suppression revolt late john reached situation dire imperial troops gregory armenian number held coastal cities blockaded tribes raiding diplomatic efforts secured allegiance leaders joined imperial army thousands men addition mountains withdrew learning arrival pursued course armed neutrality arrival reorganized troops local forces veterans brought horse marched meet rebels presented rejected terms imprisoned byzantine army marched relieved cities joined taken surprise imperial army swift advance withdrew mountainous wooded interior gathered forces leadership suggests hoped maintain pursuit midst winter advantage imperial army terrain near positions dispatched envoy bring terms general offered amnesty exchange submitting imperial authority narrates subsequent battle length imitation verse provides little concrete detail clear long bloody conflict probably took place south east late early eventually byzantines prevailed drove breaking defences camp according chief priest god killed trying protect image god tribal leaders fell remainder scattered remains tribes abandoned forced lay arms addition prisoners released camp treasures captured military standards lost solomon dispatched constantinople held entry battle victory war won peace established africa months later tribes formed coalition king raiding turned west raid notified marched meet byzantine army weakened meantime need reinforce italy regiments brought constantinople dispatched italy remained hostile immediately join conflict moment byzantines deprived services refused commit men despite hot summer marched men quickly southern limit edge desert hoping meet prevent long suffering province ravaged initially withdrew arid interior hoping shake army accompanied water provisions followed desert armies suffered hunger discontent spread byzantine soldiers finally near mutiny erupted epidemic killed large army horses forcing turn north coast positioned plateau coast awaited sent ships bring supplies adverse winds impossible army appeared nearby likewise exhausted hunger sources water set reach byzantines camped district battle joined disastrous defeat byzantines army broke fled possibly attempt hero attributes defeat soldiers attacked enemy army ready leading disorganized engagement according account allies byzantines panicked retreated causing entire army despite personal intervention byzantine leaders following defeat fled modern south began survivors losses high army morale low soon forced withdraw north fortress modern village near started army learning battle immediately rose joined tribes byzantines allies remainder free raid africa reaching vicinity battle fields remain inactive young son organized reinforcements supplies camp succeeded gaining allegiance king tribe spring having forces met allies plain northern limits gives extraordinary numbers native contingents provided chief brother real numbers clear regular troops formed lesser portion imperial army tribes leadership central plain confident victory previous year wanted confront imperial army immediately happened gave way advocated cautious tried tactic withdrawing drawing byzantines interior forcing march far supply bases devastated country exhausting rebels retreated south east reaching days army pursued distance exchanging blows tribes rearguard byzantine army reached plain laid camp withdrew mountainous interior having informed spy enemy strategy refused follow remained near port easily discontent grew soldiers understand leader reluctance fight army attacked tent barely able escape thanks allied contingents remained able control men moved army confront enemy plain called fields camp heavily fortified reluctant launch direct assault blockaded hoping hunger force fight open battle encourage restrained men reluctance fight plan worked encouraged sacrifices gods hoping catch imperial army unprepared attacked byzantine camp sunday battle hung long balance dead sides eventually byzantines gained upper hand point rallied forces launched fierce counterattack killed seeing leader fall broke fled battle success byzantines seventeen principal leaders dead tribes withdrew desert followers submitted finally secured period peace inaugurated lasted fourteen years later activities time promoted court rank attested 6th century historian remained command africa years beginning difficult work reconstruction established civil administrative apparatus originally envisaged emperor sharing authority provincial fortifications built solomon restored subdued tribes carefully returned status imperial according scholar john bury record establishing order troubled province solomon hero imperial africa success restoring peace africa seen fact late king captured able spare forces send fleet reclaim albeit success exact date death unknown likely died soon


november rear admiral united_states_navy best known general douglas general headquarters southwest pacific area world war graduate united_states naval academy maryland spent early career destroyers tour duty caribbean served ashore united_states occupation nicaragua later naval war college newport rhode_island wrote thesis entitled policy united_states subsequently published united_states naval institute received command destroyer uss march assumed command destroyer division october instructor air observer navigator training united_states_army air corps field alabama assigned general planned series combined operations accurately predicted course battle gulf served december chief staff vii amphibious force war chief staff amphibious forces atlantic fleet command battleship uss iowa retired active service july received promotion rank rear admiral early life sic ray born philadelphia middle caused embarrassment seldom preferred shortened form educated philadelphia central high school philadelphia college studied teacher graduating bachelor_of_arts degree attended naval academy preparatory school appointed united_states naval academy maryland june congressman george pennsylvania 4th congressional district academy shooting team assistant art editor lucky bag editor log magazine took summer cruises battleships uss missouri uss north world war commissioned ensign graduation june class graduated groups disruption caused world war assignment chose destroyer tender uss based league island navy yard philadelphia love woman lived philadelphia section married son richard ray daughter joan intention early service destroyers engineer radio officer uss robinson chief engineer uss ship sailed black_sea observed russian civil war hand served succession torpedo officer destroyer uss communications officer cruiser uss concord gunnery officer destroyer uss cruise caribbean served ashore united_states occupation nicaragua attended naval school naval war college newport rhode_island wrote thesis entitled policy united_states subsequently published united_states naval institute returned sea executive officer destroyer uss stewart sailed china japan philippines fleet daughter joan died shanghai returning united_states assigned university california naval reserve officers training corps instructor taught astronomy assistant professor robert gordon requested permanently assigned university navy turned grounds career suffer sea duty assignment battleship uss west_virginia promoted lieutenant commander following pattern alternating duty sea duty ashore assigned fleet training division bureau navigation june world war received command destroyer uss pacific fleet captain promoted rank commander march assumed command destroyer division consisted destroyers based west_coast october ordered report naval air station pensacola unusual destination non aviator united_states_army air corps requested naval officers sent field alabama instructors air observer navigator training officers selected wrote ship aircraft recognition course materials ability speak army knowledge conduct land sea air operations prove important selection post promoted captain june supreme commander southwest pacific area general douglas requested naval officer general headquarters replace captain ray officer escaped philippines ray appointed command battleship uss maryland chosen replace route australia met admiral chester told uncertain terms anti army anti sentiments place command loyal supporter expected head naval section instead found brigadier general stephen section staff section responsible planning operations found naval officers working dispersed working nearly corner staff head planning group known red team teams white team army officer colonel blue team australian_army officer brigadier tom white job prepare staff studies upcoming potential operations naval planning team prepared plans coordinated land air sea operations staff study effect operation favor alternative operation especially staff study revealed time consuming difficult costly teams work simultaneously different objectives fashion routinely attended staff conferences involved naval matters led planning battle known operation king predicted japanese fleet attempt intervene striking invasion force warning japanese fleet sortie discounted chief intelligence officer brigadier general charles objection writing later accurate prediction course battle gulf hand battle observer command ship uss blue ridge watched predictions courses battle battle morning october wrote apparent extremely critical situation exists enemy second diversion attack force sortied pacific_ocean san cover darkness attack escort carriers convoys gulf shipping later wrote people feel fleet chasing secondary force leaving mercy enemy main body report battle vice admiral called predictions service awarded legion merit december chief staff vii amphibious force command rear admiral daniel promoted wartime rank commodore april went leave left command vii amphibious force despite fact amphibious group commanders william albert noble arthur rear overall command operations responsible service chief staff vii amphibious force awarded second legion merit citation read distinguishing exceptionally conduct connection amphibious operations japanese forces philippine islands borneo december july chief staff commander vii amphibious force directly concerned planning execution amphibious operations southwest pacific period included landings island islands guarding entrance manila bay islands island bay borneo bay addition assisted preparation plans operations covering area approximately thousand square miles philippine waters later life chief staff amphibious forces atlantic fleet december reverted rank captain june june assumed command battleship uss iowa year command inspector general eleventh naval district san_diego california conclusion posting retired active service july retirement received promotion rank rear admiral program administrator san_diego fine arts gallery served san_diego board health community projects served south bay committee san_diego died california november interred fort national cemetery san_diego california papers douglas memorial norfolk virginia


billy sing william edward billy sing march chinese australian soldier served australian imperial force world war best known sniper gallipoli campaign took confirmed kills campaign kills total contemporary estimate tally close kills end war sing married scottish woman relationship long following work sheep farming gold mining died relative poverty obscurity brisbane world war early life sing born march queensland australia son chinese father english mother parents john sing shanghai china mary ann sing née unknown nurse england sing mother given birth daughter named mary ann elizabeth months marrying sing father july unclear child john sing daughter daughter sing later born family july children grew farm run sings performed academically considerable anti chinese sentiment australia time boy sing known shooting skill subject racial prejudice ancestry began work hauling timber youth later worked cutter sing known shooter competitive target shooter role member rifle club regularly won prizes shooting played cricket skill october months outbreak war sing enlisted australian 5th light horse regiment australian imperial force certificate medical examination time showed stood weighed according john laws christopher stewart accepted army recruitment officer chose disregard fact sing chinese time european ancestry generally considered suitable australian military service military service gallipoli campaign sing began military career australian new_zealand army corps forces gallipoli campaign modern day turkey biographer john hamilton described turkish terrain country turkish positions overlooked sent hunt stalk wait shoot kill stealth green brown sing partnered jack later tom task observe spot surrounding terrain alert sniper potential targets described sing little dark jet black beard picturesque looking crack shot chatham post position named light horse officer sing post biographer brian wrote billy sing began earnest lethal occupation set task lee rifle account private frank reed fellow australian soldier states sing close turkish lines enemy artillery rarely troubled comrades left particular enemy positions attention trench yards post communication yards track yards according reed time billy sing felt sorry poor turks remembered picked australian officers early days landing hardened heart fired bearer soldiers trying rescue wounded turks contrast hamilton said interview spotting injured said poor shot tough man sing reputation resulted champion turkish sniper nicknamed terrible allied assigned deal turks largely able distinguish sing soldiers reports incidents believed sing work passed analysis victims actions wounds concluded sing position chatham post days sing alerted potential target took aim find target looking direction sing prepared fire trying reveal position turkish sniper noticed began firing sequence sing fired killed shortly turkish artillery fired sing position barely managed evacuate chatham post alive near beginning august sing hospitalised days month enemy sniper bullet struck spotting injuring hands face hit sing shoulder action week severely wounded shipped australia reportedly time sing injured gallipoli fare later war record sing gallipoli saw dubbed assassin murderer comrades reportedly acquired nickname attitude enemy early september taken kills according brigadier general commanding officer 2nd australian light horse brigade regimental records list sing having taken confirmed kills october general william commander forces issued order complimenting unconfirmed kills historian bob noted official kill recorded saw target fall shot missed target risky second shot away sniper team position major stephen estimated sing tally close kills brought attention turn told lord troops match capacity queensland sniper allied forces soon constantinople reportedly joined sing occasion opportunity witness hand february sing mentioned despatches general sir hamilton commander allied forces official recognition service march awarded distinguished conduct medal related entry military records reading conspicuous gallantry september sniper courage skill marked responsible large number casualties enemy risk great apart recognition received superiors sing exploits reported british american newspapers time western end november sing suffered confined hospital ship gloucester castle weeks time conveyed malta egypt egypt hospitalised rejoined unit end march sing transferred 31st infantry battalion july sailed england following month following brief period training england sailed france entered action western january wounded action times commended times reports allied commanders march wounded left leg hospitalised england recovering scotland met elizabeth stewart unknown daughter royal_navy cook george stewart married june edinburgh july elizabeth sing address noted records spring gardens edinburgh month new wife sing returned trenches france august poor health battle wounds effects gas poisoning clear operated sniper western september led unit battle wood counter sniper operations action awarded belgian recommended military medal received november confined hospital problems previously wounded leg mid february hospitalised gunshot wound sing suffered lung disease exposure gas soon brought military career end return civilian life sing returned australia submarine guard duty late july army medical report november noted gunshot wounds left shoulder left leg suffered gas poisoning report stated general health good complained recognised sing disability result service permanent recommended discharged permanently unfit service following departure army briefly turned hand sheep farming land given poor quality worked gold according accounts sing wife honoured local community arrived queensland late accounts state sing arranged passage scotland australia wife evidence journey sing wife come australia appears left husband years suggests transition green hills ancient culture edinburgh dust rough life mining district traumatic elizabeth sing reason departure recent research shown elizabeth remained edinburgh daughter mary son different fathers billy sing travelled australia children lived new_south_wales son father death 1970s known contact billy arrival australia later life later life sing reported chest heart pain final days spent relative poverty obscurity elder sister half sister mary ann elizabeth died sing moved brisbane telling surviving sister cheaper live final occupation sing died room boarding house west end brisbane cause death significant possessions worth mining claim mere shillings found room sign medals world war employers owed wages sing buried war cemetery northern suburb brisbane grave lawn cemetery section cemetery inscription reads rest william edward billy sing born australian fifth light horse regiment later 31st infantry battalion son john sing shanghai mary ann england married time elizabeth stewart edinburgh man trades sing awarded distinguished conduct medal conspicuous gallantry belgian sic mentioned despatches serving gallipoli france known australia effective sniper accounting opposing forces incredible accuracy contributed greatly preservation lives served war remembered countless acts tragic legacy queensland military historical society set bronze plaque road south brisbane sing died statue sing unveiled honour home town australian_army sniper team baghdad named post billy sing bar anniversary sing death chinese consul general returned services league australia officers community leaders laid grave said billy sing symbol long history chinese australia great role played nation past reminds china australia allies world wars long proud shared past sing life recounted chapter laws stewart book story greater depth hamilton book gallipoli sniper life billy sing hamilton book includes detailed account worked gallipoli contribution progress campaign reviewer john wrote hamilton able bring range sources create story times feeling lack direct material billy sing book works television mini series legend billy sing post production despite reports based hamilton book author maintained contacted film makers sing father partly chinese fully chinese respectively mini series portrayed actors european ancestry director davis criticised decision politician bill member billy sing commemorative committee said person dies left story person tell truth story davis said sing genetic background culture australian representative australian parents born lot people sitting bus attacking driver lot people feel story billy sing probably got resources want tell story tell hamilton characterised sing cold killer man sense humour angel death laws stewart described simply australians chinese descent served distinction australian forces world war people chinese descent served australia military forces 20th century memorial sing stands hood birthplace queensland 100th anniversary commemoration gallipoli landings monument erected sing cemetery brisbane near grave stone billy sing memorial committee officially unveiled anniversary death


von november lieutenant field marshal military french revolutionary napoleonic wars developed sound military reputation surveyor map maker austria wars ottoman_empire served staff war coalition major general charles trusted advisers war second coalition campaign southwestern germany reputation assassination french delegates congress retired following year war broke recalled retirement assigned combined russian austrian forces danube november killed friendly fire battle family education born son von captain cavalry imperial regiment born pest hungary sources claim bavaria father regiment participated battle siege prague followed duty bavaria father died unclear june age years enrolled imperial school engineering received thorough technical training engineering extensive education provided officers major subjects particularly pertaining war science years november received commission ensign infantry regiment assignment regiment saw service years seven years war bohemian theater lack accurate maps hampered conduct seven years war assigned project improve map making capacity military idea scientific soldier soldier educated military operations led investment training education officers development map making forefront movement february proving capable assignment promoted lieutenant transferred reorganized staff military career assigned turkish border areas especially active bordering ottoman_empire promoted captain mobilized prussia short war succession transferred balkan border areas stayed thorough knowledge country guaranteed map making intelligence assignments turkish occupied bosnia gather information preparation upcoming new war turkey particular developed material military situation work development intelligence turkish strength satisfied superiors war actually broke assigned general staff corps participated fortress serbia april emperor joseph promoted personally major fought siege belgrade february promoted lieutenant colonel march transferred command field marshal von anticipated action kingdom prussia war came transferred austrian netherlands help contain local uprising service french revolutionary wars outbreak war coalition france april staff officer main imperial army austrian netherlands distinguished defense pass september battles september promotion colonel served field marshal friedrich von autumn organized retreat main imperial army command successor count positions austrian netherlands eastward rhine campaign serving field marshal count appointed staff charles emperor francis april colonel battle august fought victory battle september september promoted major general time charles primary adviser served chief general staff trust placed briefly interrupted connected rumor april assassination french delegates congress assassination occurred delegation leaving city reportedly committed soldiers 11th official investigation assassination placed enormous pressure extent briefly resigned charles chief staff quickly reinstated march promoted lieutenant field marshal later year replaced commander chief field marshal remained staff requested retirement claiming tired longer cope stress job reality general major general seldom saw eye eye main issues facing army relied request initially refused august emperor francis approved petition went vienna near lived old friend ferdinand von recall active duty war coalition returned retirement active service equipped glowing letter endorsement emperor francis russian infantry general arrived russian headquarters appointed chief general staff allied army met russian forces great abbey danube commanders plan french force near drew military experience called captain region use geographic local knowledge death marched vienna traveling north bank danube newly created viii corps known corps consisted divisions stretched kilometers apart river extension left corps northern flank unprotected napoleon specific instructions plan capitalized mistake november column trapped divisions command russians ruse attack small force trapped columns french surrounded rear russians caught flood plain forward backward second french division arrived mid afternoon attacked russians flank surprised led additional russian column mountains division lost percent men colors guns battle lasted night moments french evacuating danube flotilla boats dark confusion shot probably russian field von german russian service later reported column came forest road entered main road river edge immediately entered cross fire forward posts russians fell buried battlefield dead russian column burial site found monument erected park nearby assessment legacy key member imperial staff experienced austrian leader called retirement specific task organizing austro russian retreat wide experience leader summer retirement chief general staff army lower rhine rhine army germany trusted member charles staff consequently organized variety maneuvers battle plans different terrain military historian smith experienced officer sound effective battle effective replacement von chief general staff allied army death architect austrian defeat developed general battle plan allied action long run unlikely plan changed overall outcome arguably napoleon finest battles battle plan doubt improvement allies married known bright intellect innate courage time recognized best distinguished officers imperial austrian army


february july german luftwaffe night fighter pilot highest scoring night fighter ace history aerial warfare flying ace fighter ace military aviator credited shooting enemy aircraft combat victories claimed world war night british engine bombers awarded knight cross iron cross oak leaves swords diamonds german des mit und october germany highest military decoration time nicknamed location unit base occupied belgium born grew republic children alfred wife martha family owned operated business good student pilot school began military service joining luftwaffe training pilot fighter pilot schools posted 1st night fighter wing operating western november flew combat sorties support operation breakout german ships brest participated defence campaign onwards achieve success claimed aerial victory night june war progressed accumulated victories later squadron leader group commander awarded knight cross iron cross december reaching aerial victories achieved 100th aerial victory october awarded diamonds knight cross iron cross oak leaves swords october appointed wing commander november end hostilities night fighter crew held unique distinction member radio operator air gunner decorated knight cross iron cross taken prisoner war british forces release year later returned home town took family wine business sustained injuries road accident july wine purchasing visit france died hospital days later early life born february located free people state german republic era children mechanical engineer merchant alfred wife martha née children brother sister brother father owned operated family business lit castle mountain founded father grandfather shortly world war following death grandfather run father father unexpectedly died mother ran business children took world war company expanded business addition offered wine imports sparkling wine distribution channel worked agents sales offices germany age went local primary school completing fourth grade received years schooling early age expressed wish join organisation military character joined german youth completing sixth grade school took passed entry examination national political education secondary boarding school founded recently established nazi state goal schools raise new generation political military administrative leadership considered good student finishing class year aged seventeen graduated diploma november distinction school received youth sports badge base certificate german life saving association bronze hitler youth performance badge completed license fly aircraft students posted flying platoon stationed destined learned fly aircraft short later towed stay film producer making film cadets detached companies work film remains unclear exactly role played film following graduation school passed entry exams officer cadets luftwaffe joined luftwaffe november underwent basic military training 42nd flight training regiment appointed cadet april received flight training flight school pilot license airport completed flight training august trained fly attended advanced advanced flight school near blind flying school 2nd blind flying school der august qualified fly multi engine aircraft assignment promoted cadet sergeant september rank equivalent company sergeant major february officer rank second lieutenant april posted weeks destroyer school near radio operator friedrich assigned team july previous radio operator proved unable cope thoroughly tested ability cope teamed decided volunteer fly night fighters defend increasing royal_air_force raf bomber command offensive germany following training sent 1st night fighter school near munich 1st destroyer school learn night fighting night fighter training carried training night focused night landings cooperation radio beacon direction finding cross country flights world war november posted 2nd group 1st night fighter wing time based near hamburg assigned 5th squadron 1st night fighter wing time equipped airborne radar radar night fighter intercept tactics matured early beginnings july credited victories missions enemy bombers time usually flown means ground controlled interception luftwaffe experimenting airborne radar air defence system consisting series radar stations overlapping coverage layered deep conceived lit lieutenant general equivalent major general organised called line system based combination ground based radar stations search lights fighter pilot control officer airborne night fighter means radio communication point visual interception illuminated bomber interception tactics referred canopy bed procedure january transferred saint french pronunciation belgium entered line service time raf air offensive germany effectiveness british bomber command accurately hit german targets questioned war cabinet secretary david butt published butt report august report parts concluded british crews failed navigate identify bomb targets report widely accepted senior raf commanders prime minister winston_churchill instructed commander chief richard winter months limited operations conducted flight operations hindered bad weather months saw limited action period channel dash night fighter pilot february transferred air base having scored victories stationed objective assignment german battleships heavy cruiser fighter protection breakout brest germany channel dash operation february kriegsmarine navy operation germans support luftwaffe leadership general der general fighter force adolf formulated air superiority plan dubbed operation protection german capital ships plans early morning february plan called protection german ships costs crews told ran ammunition ram enemy aircraft relief night fighters assigned line reserves operation surprised british successful night fighters kept reserve role evening february relocated amsterdam airport afternoon february flew reconnaissance mission north_sea relocated island relocated west denmark low level flight close formation landing following days operated airfield making short term landing bergen total operational flights contact enemy following assignment relocated new base germany oslo following analysis butt report british high command number decisions february changed nature bomber war germany february air chief marshal norman issued area bombing directive lifted restrictions placed bombers air chief marshal arthur harris commonly known bomber harris appointed commander chief bomber command decisions coupled introduction radio navigation system enabled better target finding bombing accuracy led allied bomber raid operation millennium raf targeted bombed cologne night participate missions defence cologne procedure limitations number aircraft controlled experienced crews deployed achieve aerial victory left prior operation millennium appointed technical officer april located technical officer responsible supervision technical aspects routine maintenance modifications role longer member member stab staff claimed aerial victory thirteenth combat mission flown day attack cologne night june nominally raf second bomber raid germany attacking force actually numbered aircraft shot page halifax south belgium aircraft probably halifax squadron piloted sergeant thomas robert west shot june crashed kilometres south west member crew killed victory achieved ground controlled interception line near target visually found bomber directed attack position astern halifax caught fire firing passes mission flight officer second bomber bristol attack aborted captain walter shot bomber favourable attack position shortly flying vicinity spotted target unsuccessful attacks attack closed distance metres hit defensive gunfire hit left port engine burning rudder control cables severed electrical short circuit caused landing lights permanently considered decided attempt home airfield managed flames restart engine radio contact landed aircraft rudder control engine power time aircraft sustained damage combat member crew wounded awarded iron cross 2nd class aerial victory hoped stay active duty bullet lodged admitted hospital brussels june surgery given home leave june hospital wait months achieve victory claiming destruction vickers armstrong space minutes early hours august flew combat mission radar night august managed contact enemy aircraft failed shoot night august ace fifth aerial victory filed claim wellington time guided contact airborne radar claim night august probably squadron halifax piloted sergeant john marshall royal_australian_air_force secondary attack primary attack force targeting night night december shot lancaster victory type seventh victory responsible destruction lancaster night attacked lancaster observed catching fire followed aircraft 1st group 4th night fighter wing attacked engined bomber vicinity draw decided favour given credit destruction lancaster absent end total stood seven victories recorded night august earned iron cross 1st class early september november december confined hospital bed high fever attended officer training courses february october october claimed aerial victories absence leo radio operators flown flights ill saw little action months claim aerial victory control areas located catch bombers heading area bomber command major attacks region january april consequently claimed victories january february march april number aerial victories increased battle radio operator shot squadron short attack mission members crew including pilot sergeant lost lives victory mission 9th overall squadron halifax returning captain sergeant 2nd pilot sergeant body killed crash night bomber command attacked took wave returned shot halifax june filed claims aerial victories june bomber command attack june defence cologne missions failed contact enemy success came shot squadron june radio radar managed victory wellington june june shot bombers attack cologne lancaster halifax bombers respectively brought number aerial victories credited seventeen promoted lieutenant july eligible promotion april overlooked time remains unknown claimed aerial victories operating radio night july bomber command targeted cologne victims squadron wellington shot squadron bringing total victories radio operator signals operator control shot squadron lancaster cologne bombing mission july awarded honour luftwaffe der luftwaffe july mid july battle coming end bomber command efforts port city hamburg northern germany attack operation objective destruction hamburg operations began july major night attacks raf minor day attacks united_states_army air forces civilians killed counter mounting success german night fighter force directly attributed introduction radar raf introduced window germans window radar aircraft spread cloud small thin pieces aluminium effectively impossible german radar operator identify genuine target control areas bomber stream introduction window practically previous procedure obsolete evident german high command counter british measures new strategies pursued wild conceived technique raf bombers mainly engaged single seat fighter planes illuminated target area procedure proposed von called night fighter infiltrate bomber stream position altitude general direction broadcast information received night fighters bomber stream german night fighters tracked radio controlled means control claims operation success came shot lancaster august target night aerial victory entire german night fighter force achieved control victory member squadron leader transferred 4th group 1st night fighter wing based netherlands air base appointed squadron leader 12th squadron 1st night fighter wing august took command taken prisoner war time leadership group commander impression entirely favourable shortly arrival missions taken right way forced second place order takeoff act perceived arrogant received german cross gold gold august flew operational mission night august uncertain assumed radio radar operator mission bomber command targeted weapons test centre night tasked leading missions control mission early engine trouble mid september man crew augmented member referred air mechanic air gunner reason decline procedure introduction broadcast procedure growing threat raf night fighter operations necessitated need pair eyes rear contributed claims new crew claimed 26th aerial victory september squadron intercept mission second half crew began experimenting upward firing dubbed allowed night fighter approach attack bombers outside enemy crew usual field view attack equipped night fighter typically came complete surprise bomber crew realised night fighter close came fire exactly known equipped stated weapons system installed prior return officer training exactly known victories claimed upwards firing cannons according known aerial victories claimed upwards firing guns returned officer training courses early october rejoined crew claimed aerial victories october awarded knight cross iron cross des victories december presentation lit major general equivalent brigadier joseph commanding general 1st fighter corps january night 22nd birthday february crew claimed aerial victories bomber command sent halifax engined bombers supported night fighters bombers destined berlin suffering stomach pains day crew returned birthday fellow airmen prepared birthday celebration stomach pains taken hospital stayed hospital weeks went vacation home lifting burst flew mission events march group commander appointed march taking command given command promoted ace day time claimed raf bombers shot victories bombers targeted railway yard june western allied forces landed normandy operation overlord support invasion normandy general dwight supreme allied commander assigned bomber command support ground forces night june claimed victory following invasion bombers attacked railway targets france claimed bombers shot night lancaster second lancaster halifax awarded knight cross iron cross oak leaves des mit june following aerial victories claimed june took total victories july successful previous months claimed bombers night july july taking total aerial victories day later july received letter telling awarded knight cross iron cross oak leaves swords des mit und hitler presentation said came presentation words night fighter shortly following presentation received knight cross iron cross august crew night fighter crew entire luftwaffe crew members wore decoration early september forced abandon airfields netherlands belgium continuous heavy attacks raf bombers allied fighter bombers rendered airfields unsuitable operations september relocated achieved 100th victory october claimed bombers shot attack force bombers targeting recognition achievement mentioned october awarded knight cross iron cross oak leaves swords diamonds des mit und october luftwaffe pilot achieve century mark wing commander appointed wing commander 4th night fighter wing november youngest luftwaffe age stationed flew combat mission november claimed victories area crew flew berlin november official presentation diamonds knight cross iron cross oak leaves swords hitler following official photo session hitler photographer met colonel von hitler luftwaffe adjutant ministry aviation crew filmed german die days later returned leading night fighter pilot november surpassed lent record night time victories claimed shot force group attacked canal victory total stood end failed shoot single bomber january month filing claim april ordered residence february informed intent appoint der inspector night fighter force role held time pushed wanting push friend mentor position argued better serve german cause fighting enemy convinced remained position british propaganda radio station soldiers radio congratulated account 23rd birthday february radio station explicitly addressed soldiers stationed followed song das praising honorary title given british bomber crews greatest night success second time ace day february claimed lancaster heavy bombers course day claimed early hours morning seven minutes evening march claimed raf engine bombers victories victories war banned combat flying given task evaluating new twin engine heavy fighter unique push pull layout night fighter ban combat flying flew mission war april attempting chase lancaster took air base landed minutes success prisoner war taken prisoner war british_army according taken england interrogation account british authorities especially interested knowing achievements influence drugs induce temporary improvements mental physical functions released later year november following bout according incorrect statement based account testimony claims taken england released august soon admitted hospital ill combination scarlet fever interrogation begun late team officers department air technical intelligence led air commodore german prisoners brought conducted number interviews members night fighter force later life death following release hospital prisoner war exact date unknown took family wine business planned run family ambition pursue officer career luftwaffe immediate aftermath world war business virtually ceased exist given task rebuilding scratch establish business links suppliers customers consolidate new contacts order facilitate expansion growth business lastly create infrastructure supported growth business wine business began gave thought alternative employment possibilities peacetime aviation wartime friend traveled switzerland meet south american diplomats hoped find employment pilots south_america crossed swiss german border illegally meeting failure returned germany caught swiss border guards attempting second illegal border crossing swiss handed french occupation authorities imprisoned remained managed contact french general customer released kept away business half year july wine buying visit france afternoon july heading south route mercedes registration number south involved collision truck accident occurred intersection road present day present day truck driven jean carrying metric tons long tons short tons load gas cylinders collision fuel tank mercedes ignited petrol witnesses accident quickly flames alice gave aid bleeding wound head police appeared scene accident followed ambulance shortly suffered fractured skull immediately taken saint regained consciousness succumbed injuries hospital days later july investigation accident concluded impact vehicles severe unlikely collision cause injuries speculated truck cargo gas cylinders thrown collision struck head subsequently truck driver charged breach traffic regulations court hearing began july concluded conviction november found guilty yielding right way speed considered high ruled consequence observing law caused death brought england war aircraft displayed london park port vertical twin tailed aircraft victories preserved imperial war museum london fin flown australian war memorial canberra street named aerial victory credits scoring night fighter pilot world war credited aerial victories claimed combat missions victory total includes raf engine bombers arguably accounting raf casualties luftwaffe fighter pilot highest luftwaffe western allied air forces flight book indicated flying hours late documented aerial victories detailed geographical locations date claimed victories territory occupied allies victories logged grid reference example grid map composed measuring minutes latitude minutes area square miles km2 ace indicates aerial victories ace day term fighter pilot shot single day plus indicates certain identification indicates probable identification question mark indicates possible identification awards flying luftwaffe night fighters gold combined pilots observation badge wound badge black iron cross 2nd class june 1st class october honour luftwaffe der luftwaffe july pilot german cross gold august knight cross iron cross oak leaves swords diamonds knight cross december oak leaves june swords july 21st diamonds october mentioned october reference dates rank


john december british soldier served royal garrison artillery world war experiences battle battle led resolve human life rest army service deliberate errors targeting calculations try ensure guns battery missed aiming point attempt giving enemy chance evacuate years later retiring career teacher wrote memoir years army describing conduct war conversion memoir published reluctant tommy edited duncan early life war service born grew sea world war having volunteered british_army derby scheme having requested process called october months 19th birthday battery commander assistant royal garrison artillery responsible making calculations necessary target large guns field battery argued superior officer use french church target practice demoted rank corporal saw action battle closest friends bill killed day body dead german age realised shells targeted killed mark turning point thinking war determined morally responsible actions consequences despite chain command battle friend left post discovered commanding officer ignored order withdraw line knocked shell killed subsequently suffered shell shock amnesia following period hospital france sent italian december battery reorganised following shell shock treated hospital mud spa italy resolution power avoid loss human life felt war signed disillusioned army conduct war church italian village san near private pact god help human life wrote future wife christian claiming began campaign small acts sabotage introducing minor errors trajectory calculations guns hit inhabited target attempt giving enemy chance evacuate actions discovered superiors apparently carried sabotage italy remained february aside fortnight leave england november december received british war medal victory medal war service declined military medal felt offered attempt fatal accident tried prevent later life september returned england commence teacher training signed leaving serve army trained london graduating taught briefly school sea transferring post school christian engaged following year secured job little senior boys school found flat share married december church september child born daughter named jean expected boy called john second world war family evacuated south wales school point suffering ill health expected fight anti war views earned labels visionary impractical war family returned wife lived homes life continued work teacher took early retirement died character beliefs self confessed romantic sensibility fond literature particular poetry took western copy francis turner golden treasury favourite poets john lord intense love beauty found music architecture natural world western wrote deprived thing precious life love beauty volunteered army patriot convinced king country causes worth fighting long disillusioned war army attributed combination sensitive character christian upbringing sense right wrong significantly horror war experiences war remained convinced rest life believed britain declared war germany claimed surrender face occupation arms hostile force writing early 1970s expressed hope generation political leaders mistakes memoir january having retired teaching career began work memoir described conduct experiences world war particular experience initially intended focus relationship wife touching war briefly soon felt write war experiences worked memoir year eventually filling green ring hundreds pages years despite suffering strokes repeatedly went material editing adding written gave memoir daughter jean years death years found read felt story shared donated ring containing bulk memoir excluding personal sections imperial war museum london remain day available researchers academics memoir began attract attention story featured richard cross trenches casualty figures documentary forgotten men wouldn fight interviewed jean father war experiences publication memoir published book form reluctant tommy extraordinary memoir world war edited duncan wrote introduction felt story deserved wide audience possible read protagonist words daughter jean given permission memoir published remained uncertain publishing memoir father wanted believed important story widely known book carried foreword channel_4 news anchor jon snow wrote grandfather lieutenant general sir thomas snow referring popular description lower ranks lions led snow acknowledged lion snow ultimately critical reaction reluctant tommy received largely favourable reviews richard holmes evening standard financial times coverage daily_mail socialist worker sunday express important contribution literature war condemnation war support stance absolute certainly buy book sent review copy eyed officer man relationships shall remind badly things wrong vital democratic society seeking use war instrument policy ensure connection war means political ends crystal clear writing uneven carries tenor honesty true belief disgust behaviour superiors descriptions seeing friends blown bits moving bring write book began story marriage girl waited home sense happy ending shines moments criticism favourable review bbc think magazine remarks official war records version events describes friends officer killed ridge 8th june unit war diary notes casualties named officer isn commonwealth war graves register november says battery far forward ordered withdraw insane refused leave claims direct order fled pal according register john battery killed 18th july battery later sent italy clear guns late april war diary records firing numerous overall impression gives tiny scale man caught huge apparently indifferent military machine war like previous impressive treated great caution factual history


henry alexander stuart commander henry alexander stuart usually shortened alex stuart august british naval officer famous service royal_navy particularly world war assisted sinking boats helped capture code fragments enabled park code commanded ships career married having sons daughter seven grandchildren turn stuart born joined navy cadet force devon serving ships promotion course served abroad united_kingdom joined hms hunter shortly world war april ship torpedoed raid german held port kept hospital germans listed home killed action british liberated area freed ship hms helped capture code fragments enabled park code capturing code year given command hms berkeley mentioned despatches whilst working hms ship sunk boat distinguished service cross sinking boat stuart entrusted royal australian navy commanded destroyers ran scottish corps years retirement early life henry alexander stuart abbreviated alex stuart born august surrey son walter stuart violet stuart née walter stuart stuart violet stuart cadet devon cadets served ships hms renown atlantic hms dragon west_indies america shore establishment hms president promotion course naval career alex stuart served destroyers hms mediterranean hms windsor home_fleet hms reserve fleet hms defender serving china world war august shortly outbreak world war stuart joined destroyer hms hunter hunter captain lee 2nd flotilla destroyers april flotilla attacked port held germans german destroyers sunk seven damaged notably sinking ton ship transporting ammunition hunter set torpedoed leading sinking sank stuart trapped leg wound upper deck rating saved stuart picked german sailors stuart taken civilian hospital remained town eventual liberation allies whilst hospital stuart listed killed action obituary times later read britain april december december stuart lieutenant tribal class destroyer hms operation operation disrupt supplies ferry shore capture german code brought stop german firing forcing stop boarding party found keys machines assisted park codes stuart assisted capture material german ship enabling park begin german codes months later given command ship hms berkeley hunt class destroyer stuart joined hms march helped sink german submarine mentioned despatches june lieutenant commander henry alexander stuart royal_navy commanding disastrous mission sea late stuart took command hms dinosaur training officers landing craft command war hms assisted sinking awarded distinguished service cross war world war february stuart lieutenant hms birmingham followed hms superb september entrusted royal australian navy commanded ships destroyers hms james hms went work lord malta retired moving scotland operate scottish corps close years chairman edinburgh world wildlife fund years personal life stuart met australia couple married having daughter sons andrew alexander walter henry seven grandchildren died edinburgh