The Role of Nelson - Naval technology & tactics/strategy

Question 1

What did Nelson do to Br ships to improve them?

Answer 1

HMS Victory already old ship
- Navy’s new innovation of coppering which protected ship from rotting & barnacles
= ships can go faster (streamlined) & last longer

Question 2

What did Nelson learn from his early career?

Answer 2

gunnery was the way to win battles

Question 3

What tactic did Nelson use that was new?

Answer 3

Nelson broke normal consensus on how ships fought
- broke enemy lines called ‘crossing the t’

Question 4

What ammunition did the Navy use?

Answer 4

solid iron balls
- chain shot & heated shot
- when fired point blank could damage ships badly

Question 5

What did the Br often do with captured Fr ships?

Answer 5

Fr ships often re-flagged & used by Br

Question 6

What food supplies did the seamen have?

Answer 6

salty beef, mouldy biscuits, rum & water

Question 7

What did Nelson rely on?

Answer 7

guesswork more than intelligence
- N realised strain on soldiers
- frigates kept watch of naval ships