3-070-624 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Anniversary of Trafalgar on board the old Victory at Portsmouth, 1881. Royal Navy sailors lay a wreath on the deck of Nelson's ship the Victory - a plaque marks the spot where he fell. A girl - perhaps the captain's daughter - holds a bouquet of flowers as other sailors raise flags. On the ship's wheel are inscribed the words: 'England expects every man will do his duty'. This was a signal sent by Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson as the Battle of Trafalgar was about to commence on 21 October 1805. The Latin phrase "Palmam qui meruit ferat" meaning "Let him who has earned the palm bear it" or "Let him who has deserved the prize, wear it" was Nelson's motto, and has been adopted by the Royal Navy. From "Illustrated London News", 1881.