Madam, - The victory at the Battle of Trafalgar is generally recognised as the finest moment in British naval history. Nelson is admired by navies throughout the world and his success on that day is attributed primarily to the original and superior tactics he deployed.
In the weeks leading up to the battle, Nelson was in no doubt that his forces would prevail. Although outnumbered by the Combined Fleet in terms of ships and seamen, he was absolutely convinced that the superior experience and gunnery of his crews would comprehensively win the battle. He was correct.
British naval records confirm that about one third of the British navy who participated in that engagement were Irish. Although a few of them held officer ranks, the vast majority manned the cannons below decks where loss of limbs, burns, splintering and death were commonplace and accepted. These were the real heroes of the battle.
Not only was it right that the LE Eithne and Asgard II participated in the bicentenary celebrations - it would have been an insult to memories of the thousands of brave Irishmen who fought at Trafalgar not to have done so. After all, it was their contributions that helped inflict a crushing defeat on the mighty Napoleon, averting his planned invasion of Britain which would have had obvious consequences for Ireland.
Perhaps it is time these great historical events from our past were "reintroduced" to Irish history. They are matters of fact and we should be proud of them. - Yours, etc,
CONOR O'KANE,
Brighton,
England.
Madam, - The Napoleonic government three times sent expeditionary forces to Ireland to assist the United Irishmen: in December 1796 under the command of General Hoche to Bantry Bay, in August 1798 to Killala under General Humbert, and in September of that year a small number of ships under Admiral Bompart. The last mentioned was intercepted outside Lough Swilly. Wolfe Tone was on board the Hoche and, after a long naval battle, was captured, sent to Dublin and condemned to death.
The Taoiseach and members of the Government make a point every year of attending ceremonies in honour of Tone at his grave in Bodenstown. It is difficult to square this with their willingness to allow a ship of ours to take part in the celebration of the British victory over French forces in 1805. - Yours, etc,
MAIREAD WILSON,
Brighton Square,
Dublin 6.