The signal sent

The signal sent to the British fleet at Trafalgar flew from the Nelson Monument last Thursday to commemorate the date of the epic battle.

The annual ceremony organised by Dorothy Marsh the Keeper of Conservation, Edinburgh City Council took place at 11.00 am.

Andrew Kerr representing the Senior Service, placed the anchor-shaped wreath on the right hand side of the monument’s front door. Sixty seven Scots including four Royal Marines served aboard the Victory during the battle. The last survivor, ninety one year old James Chapman pressed into service in 1808 died at Invercarse, Dundee in 1876.

Although the tradition must date back to the early 19th century when the Nelson Monument was built, early prints and photographs showing the signal flying are few and far between.

The signal was also hoisted on the flagstaff outside the Royal Navy and Royal Marine Club, Broughton Road, Edinburgh

Illustration of H.M.S. Victory by John Thomson.