England expects that every man will do his duty was a signal sent by Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson from his flagship HMS Victory as the battle of Trafalgar was about to commence on 21 October 1805.

The British victory confirmed the naval supremacy of Great Britain and was achieved in part through Nelson’s departure from the prevailing naval tactic.

The significance of the victory and Nelson’s death during the battle led to the phrase becoming part of the English psyche, and it has been regularly quoted, paraphrased and referenced up to the modern day.

This signal became so prevalent that it is recorded on Nelson’s tomb in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.