Culloden tacked to reverse her course and take after the Spanish column. Blenheim and then Prince George did the same in succession. The Spanish lee division now put about to the port tack with the intention of breaking the British line at the point where the ships were tacking in succession. Orion came round but Colossus was in the course of going about when her foreyard and foretop yard where shot away. She was forced to wear ship instead of tack and the leading Spanish vessel came close enough to threaten her with a broadside. Saumarez in Orion saw the danger to his friends and backed his sails to give covering fire.

As Victory came to the tacking point another attempt was made to break the British line. Victory however was too fast and the leading Spaniard, a 3 decker, had to tack close to Victory and received a raking broadside as she did so. 'We gave them their Valentine in style', later wrote a gunner in Goliath.

As the last ship in the British line passed the Spanish, the line had formed a U shape with Culloden in the lead and on the reverse course but chasing the rear of the Spanish. At this point the Spanish lee division bore up to make an effort to join their compatriots to windward. Had they managed to do this, the battle would have ended indecisively and with the Spanish fleet running for Cadiz. The British ships would have been left harrying their sterns in much the manner of the Armada, 1588.

At 1.05pm, Jervis hoisted a signal:

1.05pm

• Nelson takes decisive action

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Page creation: Peter Milford - St Vincent College, February 1997