An English fleet has engaged the combined French and Spanish fleet under the command of Admiral Pierre de Villeneuve.
The battle follows a prolonged chase across the Atlantic and Caribbean as Napolean attempts to break an English blockade ahead of an expected invasion.
It is believed that Lord Nelson has broken from conventional military doctrine by attacking the side of the French fleet head on, a tactic that limits the amount of fire the English will be able to lay down on approach.
If successful, it could sow confusion amongst the enemy fleet and mitigate the size advantage they hold but experts have labelled it “a gamble.”