1. Pierre-Charles Villeneuve was in command of a French and Spanish fleet which was defeated by the British Royal Navy at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
13 Facts About Pierre-Charles Villeneuve
1. 2.
Pierre-Charles Villeneuve took part in naval operations in the American Revolutionary War, serving as an ensign on Marseillais, in de Grasse's fleet.
3.
Pierre-Charles Villeneuve served during several battles, and consequently was promoted to rear admiral in 1796.
4.
Pierre-Charles Villeneuve was captured soon afterwards when the British took the island of Malta, but he was released.
5.
Pierre-Charles Villeneuve was criticised for not engaging the British at the Nile, but Napoleon considered him a "lucky man" and his career was not affected.
6.
Pierre-Charles Villeneuve then sent the prizes into Guadeloupe under the escort of the frigate Sirene.
7.
For two days Pierre-Charles Villeneuve shadowed the retreating British, but did not seek a battle.
8.
On 21 October 1805 Pierre-Charles Villeneuve learned of the size of the British fleet, and turned back to Cadiz, but the combined fleets were intercepted by Nelson off Cape Trafalgar.
9.
Pierre-Charles Villeneuve stayed at the Crown Inn public house and his men, who numbered 200, stayed in local houses.
10.
Pierre-Charles Villeneuve was allowed to attend the funeral of Lord Nelson whilst at Bishop's Waltham.
11.
Pierre-Charles Villeneuve had left a farewell letter to his wife.
12.
The question of whether Pierre-Charles Villeneuve committed suicide has been a source of contention among historians ever since.
13.
Pierre-Charles Villeneuve's name is etched on the Arc de Triomphe.