Lord Nelson

Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, KB (29 September 1758 – 21 October 1805) was a British flag officer famous for his participation in the Napoleonic Wars, most notably in the Battle of Trafalgar, a decisive British victory in the war, during which he lost his life.[1] Note Nelson never reached the rank of full Admiral, reaching the rank of Rear-Admiral in February 1797 and Vice-Admiral in January 1801, and being killed while holding the latter rank.

Nelson went against the conventional tactics of the time by cutting through the enemy's lines. Nelson was noted for his ability to inspire and bring out the best in his men, to the point that it gained a name: "The Nelson Touch". His actions during these wars and his heroic image as a one-armed, one-eyed patriot, ensured that before and after his death he was revered.

In 1798, even though he had been married since 1787, Nelson famously became embroiled in an affair with Emma, Lady Hamilton, the wife of William Hamilton, the British Ambassador to Naples which lasted until his death. Emma became Nelson's mistress, returning to the United Kingdom to live openly with him, and eventually they had a daughter, Horatia. It was the public knowledge of this affair that induced the Royal Navy to send Nelson back out to sea after he had been recalled.

By the time of his death in 1805 Nelson had become a national hero, and he was given a State funeral. His memory lives on in numerous monuments, the most notable of which is London's Nelson's Column, which stands in the centre of Trafalgar Square.

He is a hero to captain Jack Aubrey who served under him as a LT, at the Battle of the Nile. Aubrey also dined with him twice and Nelson spoke to him briefly both times. It is possible that Tom Pullings may also have served under Nelson as a Midshipman as he mentioned that Nelson always said in battle "Never mind the maneuvers, just go straight at them."