CarlusMagnus
Literotica Guru
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2011
- Posts
- 1,183
You were right both times: First Battle of Copenhagen (1801) but history is rather hard on Sir Peter Parker. He gave Nelson discretion to withdraw. That is the signal Nelson is supposed to have 'not seen'.
Sir Peter Parker's orders were to try to neutralise the Danes, and prevent an alliance between Sweden, Denmark and Russia against the UK. His actions before and after the Battle of Copenhagen were criticised, but just by being in the Baltic he made the alliance less likely.
Was the Battle of Copenhagen really necessary? Historians still argue.
But Nelson's actions were those of a brilliant tactical commander in a very difficult action that could easily have been lost.
Actually,upon checking, I find that it was Admiral Hyde Parker.
And the supposed incident is surely the origin of the phrase the Nelsonian eye.