Trafalgar Hoist
Trafalgar Hoist Project
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Call to action -
Trafalgar Hoist Project 〰️ Call to action -
I would like to bring your attention to a project that I started towards the end of 2025 and invite you all to check it out and support in any way you can—whether by sharing the project on social media, passing it on to organizations, or making a private donation.
Every year, HMS Victory flies the now-famous signal:
“England Expects Every Man to do his Duty”
This was sent to the British Fleet in a series of hoists on Victory’s mizzen shortly before the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805.
At the time, the signal was received with mixed emotions. Admiral Collingwood, Nelson’s second-in-command, reportedly said:
“I wish Nelson would stop signalling; we all know what to do.”
But it was also reported that the common sailors rejoiced when informed about Nelson’s signal to the fleet.
Victory is currently undergoing large scale repair work to the entire ship and is without her standing rigging while this work is undertaken. Even with all this going on, the ship’s company still flies the signal every year from temporary halyards located on the fore and mizzen masts.
Their current set of signal flags is starting to show its age and requires a lot of repairs after being flown, which is undertaken by volunteers from the ship and their wider support network.
I’m raising funds for a complete set of 32 signal flags that make up “England Expects” and will donate them to the ship so they can retire their old, worn-out set.
Please visit the link if you would like to make a private donation. You can also donate the cost of one full flag (£84), for which you will receive a certificate. When you see them hoisted, you’ll know that’s your little piece of history you’ve helped to preserve.
