The Royal Navy flag
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries the Royal Navy was the largest in the world, but until 1805 its forces were repeatedly matched or exceeded in numbers by a combination of enemies. Despite this it was able to maintain an almost uninterrupted ascendancy over its rivals through superiority in financing, tactics, training, organization, social cohesion, hygiene, dockyard facilities, logistical support and, from the middle of the 18th century, warship design and construction.
Lord Horatio Nelson 1815
I, Lord Horatio Nelson, invite all subjects of the Commonwealth to enlist for naval service to defend the honor of our King. If you believe in fighting the good fight then join now!
My rules are simple:
"Firstly you must always implicitly obey orders, without attempting to form any opinion of your own regarding their propriety.
Secondly, you must consider every man your enemy who speaks ill of your king.
and thirdly you must hate your enemy as you hate the devil."