Admiral Collingwood - The Hero Of Britian
Cuthbert Collingwood was born in 1748 at Morpeth, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne. His father was an unsuccessful merchant. He entered the Navy as a volunteer under the patronage of Admiral Braithwaite and was posted to the frigate Shannon in 1761. His early career was spent on the North American station and he was at the abortive British attack on Bunker’s Hill, Boston, in 1775. Acquitted by court martial for disobedience of orders, he made captain in 1780, and took command of the Hinchingbroke in succession to Horatio Nelson, and thereafter his career closely shadowed that of his friend.
He served at some of the most famous battles of this period, including The Glorious First of June in 1794 and The Battle of Cape St. Vincent in 1797. However, as one of the most famous naval engagements in history, it is for the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 that Collingwood will be most remembered.
As the engagement began on 21st October, the British Fleet split into two columns. The first was led by Nelson aboard HMS Victory, while the second was led by Collingwood on HMS Royal Sovereign. As Nelson headed towards the vanguard of the Franco-Spanish Fleet, Collingwood raced towards its rear. The Franco-Spanish Fleet attempted to turn back for Cadiz, but the attempt caused only confusion. Collingwood was the first to break through the Franco-Spanish line and raked the bows of the Fougueux, which had previously fired the first shots of the day.
On Nelson's death during the Battle of Trafalgar, Collingwood assumed command of the fleet. Following the surrender of the Franco-Spanish Fleet, Collingwood went against Nelson's order to go to anchor once the battle had ended, in order to ride out the coming storm. Perhaps wanting to get away from the dangerous shoreline, and aware that many of the heavily damaged ships did not have the ability to go to anchor regardless of what orders he gave, Collingwood instead led the fleet to safety through a violent storm which lasted a week. No British ships were lost in either the battle or the storm. The Battle of Trafalgar saw Britain triumph over Napoleon at sea.
Here is the full-length portrait to the right, showing Collingwood in rear-admiral’s full dress uniform of the 1795–1812 pattern (with inaccuracies), wearing his medals for the First of June, St Vincent and the Trafalgar.
GearHomie has cosplayed his uniform as a way to show our admiration to this great historical hero. It is a way to help you portray, get infinitely closer to the historical characters and possibly turn you into different versions of yourselves. The real uniform may be too heavy and bulky to wear in a daily basis. Don't worry because our all over printing costume is much lighter, comfortable and casual and extremely detailed. We pay close attention to details of the original uniform and make it more vibrant. We hope that everyone can own one and become the hero you admire from now on. HERE IT IS:
