The death of Horatio Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar

Nearly 90 members and guests gathered in the club for the annual Trafalgar Dinner on Tuesday 16 October. Following a first class dinner of venison, the Commodore proposed the Loyal Toast – seated in traditional Navy fashion – and then introduced our speaker  – Admiral Sir James Perowne KBE.

Sir James spent the bulk of his professional career in submarines, rising to command conventional diesel units and, later, nuclear submarines from 1980 to 1983. He also commanded surface ships and his final posting was as Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic in Nato, based in the United States.

Speaking at any Trafalgar Dinner can be a challenging task, knowing full well that the story has been told many times before, not only about the battle itself, but also of Nelson’s own character both on and off the water. It was therefore suprising and very pleasing that Sir James took a completely different tack and put before us the scenario of how the battle and it’s commander would have been viewed in the present day and with all our current considerations of health and safety, method statements, approved tactics and last, but not least, the fitness of the little Admiral himself to command.

It would take too long to recount all the aspects of his address but, needless to say, it was thoroughly amusing, with laugh out loud moments, and superbly presented,  especially from a man who  has been in overall command himself on more than one occasion!

Closing his address by proposing the toast to the Immortal Memory, we expressed our warm and heartfelt thanks in the usual way. The Commodore presented Sir James with two inscribed cut glass tumblers and extended to him and Lady Perowne a years Honorary Membership to the club.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening with good food and great company.