Phrases from History: I See No Ships

Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) was a British admiral (= high-ranking officer in the navy) who is Britain’s most famous naval leader. He lost an arm and the sight in an eye during the wars against Napoleon, and he became very popular after winning several battles at sea. His most famous battle was the battle of Trafalgar in 1805, in which he was killed. Before the battle he said to his men “England expects that every man will do his duty” and as he lay dying he is believed to have said “Kiss me Hardy” to his friend Thomas Hardy. He is also known for having a romantic affair with an upper class woman called Lady Hamilton. After his death, Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column were built to honour him.

" I See No Ships"

The Battle of Copenhagen was a naval battle between the British and the Danish in 1801. The British navy under Lord Nelson had received orders to leave the area because Danish ships were approacing. Nelson put his telescope to his blind eye and said "I see no ships". His ships remained where they were, and in the battle that followed the Danes were defeated.