AT the Battle of Trafalgar 200 years ago, Britain’s Royal Navy defeated Spain and France – and it is still remembered today.
Members of the public still gather to watch the armed forces and celebrate this historic victory each year.
When is Trafalgar Day?
Trafalgar Day is every year on October 21, the day of the battle of Trafalgar.
While celebrations take place across the country, the main even is in the capital with the Trafalgar Day Parade taking place in London.
A ceremony also takes place in Portsmouth, on board the warship HMS Victory, Lord Horatio Nelson’s flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar.
The ship’s ceremony takes place on the day itself – while London’s parade is on the closest Sunday.
The ceremony on board Victory is also an act of remembrance both for Lord Nelson and the men that lost their lives in the famous battle.
The day starts on the ship with the raising of the White Ensign of the Royal Navy and the Union Jack.
Following that the flag sequence of Nelson’s famous message to the fleet is also raised: “England expects that every man will do his duty.”
When was the Battle of Trafalgar?
The Battle of Trafalgar took place on October 21, 1805 with the British ships taking on both the French and Spanish fleets off the Cape of Trafalgar.
It was our Navy’s most famous victory – and confirmed our reign on the seas.
The date also marks Lord Nelson’s death, as he was fatally injured in the battle.
During the battle Nelson was shot by a Frenchman’s musket ball as he was on Victory’s quarterdeck.
He’s regarded as the greatest officer in the history of the Royal Navy with Trafalgar seen has his greatest victory.
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Where is the Trafalgar Day parade?
The main Trafalgar Day parade takes place in central London on Sunday – between 10.30am and 1pm. It’s free to attend.
The parade passes from Horse Guards Parade, in Westminster, past Buckingham Palace and down The Mall – before arriving in Trafalgar Square.
Some 400 Sea Cadets from the UK, aged 10-18, will march on behalf of the Royal Navy – a tradition which spans more than a century.
Expect to see the first of the cadets pass Admiralty Arch at around 10.45am.
