We all learnt about the Battle of Trafalgar when at school, but did you realise that there were three Islanders on board Lord Nelson’s HMS Victory?
An appeal to track down relatives of the trumpeter, gunner and seaman who all took part in the 1805 battle on board the ship has been launched.
If you can show your connection to one of the three, you could be a guest of honour at this year’s Trafalgar Day celebration on Sunday 21st October.
Share the family stories
Naval historian and Trafalgar expert, John White explains, “Many Islanders took part in the battle itself, but three in particular were actually on board the Victory and survived its encounter with the French and Spanish fleets at Trafalgar.
“It would be fascinating to learn if any stories of their experience have remained within the families. Such personal accounts are of great historical importance and I would very much like to meet them on the day.”
HMS Victory’s log lists Phineas Board as a 21-year-old trumpeter, Issac Saunders a 20-year-old able seaman and William Terrant as a 23-year-old quarter gunner and all three men were described as being from Newport.
Get in touch
John, who was the Master of Arms on HMS Victory until 1981, is a well-known authority on naval life and will also be providing a series of insights into Trafalgar and Lord Nelson himself throughout the day.
He is hoping to talk with any relatives of the original Isle of Wight crew and if you have any information, please email [email protected].
Display by Little Brigs
The highlight of the day (21st October) will be a short re-enactment undertaken by the Isle of Wight Sea Cadets using the Little Brigs, the world’s smallest tall ships, on Newport Quay at 3pm.
This will involve simulated broadsides and close-quarter fighting, whilst John provides a blow-by-blow commentary of the battle’s climax, which includes Nelson’s untimely death.
After this spectacle, the Sea Cadet Marching Band will perform on the quayside after which any youngsters interested in finding out more about life at sea can try out the Little Brigs themselves. There will be plenty of information about joining the Sea Cadets.
