Quote:
Originally Posted by smrk
Admiral Horatio Nelson shot through the back on deck of the HMS Victory during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Engaged with the Redoutable at close distance, French snipers pick off Admiral Nelson, who was pacing the deck wearing his distinctive medals and decorations.
He didn't die on the deck (as the "Death of Nelson" might suggest). He was carried below deck with a handkerchief over his face. There he was attended to by the surgeon and other seamen, receiving wine and lemonade as well as updates on the course of the battle. He dies about three hours later, knowing that he and his fleet achieved total victory. No British ships lost and something like 20 enemy ships captured (some of which later sank, blew up, or didn't survive the coming storm).
His victory at Trafalgar secured British sea supremacy for the duration of the century and laid to rest the possibility of an invasion of Britain by Napoleon's forces.
Exactly what I was hoping for!
Can you imagine a more thrilling death? Hell, it might be worth it. Total victoy achieved through ingenious methods, ensuring the future history of your homeland. Rhythmically rocking on high seas, surrounded by seamen you've loved.
Reminds me of:
Oh sink me this ship, master gunner!
Sink her! Split her in twain!
I'd rather fall into the arms of God, than into
the hands of Spain!
I think it's Tennyson, but can't recall context. Perhaps something about facing spanish galleons with choice between sinking own ship, or capture. Not perfectly appropriate, but meets the spirit of Trafalgar, an exalting, glorifying death. The ultimate sacrafice.