TRAFALGAR DAY October 21 st WHAT IS A

TRAFALGAR DAY October 21 st WHAT IS A HERO?

What does the word ‘hero’ mean to you? Turn to your neighbour and see if you can decide.

Can you think of the names of any heroes of today?

How about these?

Can you think of any heroes from the past? Talk it over with your neighbour.

On the next page are pictures of a group of heroes we should remember today. Do you know the name of the man in the middle?

He is Admiral Lord Nelson, the greatest naval hero we have ever had. Today we remember the Battle of Trafalgar which took place on October 21 st 1805.

The other men are some of the captains of the 27 ships Nelson commanded at Trafalgar. Britain was at war with France and Spain and their fleet of 33 ships met ours near southern Spain.

Here is a picture of Nelson talking to some of his captains just before the battle. They are in his cabin on board his flagship Victory. How do you think they are feeling? What do you think they are saying to one another?

Nelson is a hero because as well as being very successful in winning sea battles, including Trafalgar, he was very good at inspiring his captains and sailors to try their very best. He talked to all the captains before the battle and explained what he wanted them to do, and when he was sadly shot and killed during the fight, they were all determined to carry on and win. Do you know anyone who helps you to do your best?

You can visit Nelson’s ship the Victory in Portsmouth Dockyard.

Before the battle Nelson wrote a prayer MAY THE GREAT GOD, whom I worship, grant to my country and for the benefit of Europe in general, a great and glorious victory: and may no misconduct, in anyone, tarnish it: and may humanity after victory be the predominant feature in the British Fleet. For myself Individually, I commit my life to Him who made me and may His blessing light upon my endeavours for serving my Country faithfully. To Him I resign myself and the just cause which is entrusted to me to defend. AMEN”