Royal Navy: Trafalgar Day ceremony at Nelson monument in Portsmouth for anniversary - when, times

The service will take place at the Nelson monument at Portsdown Hill on Monday (October 21). Annual commemorations, led by The Equestrian, Secular and Chapterial Order of Saint Joachim, honours the great victory by Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. They will start at 11.15am.

The Royal Navy was able to defeat Napoleon’s French fleet due to the inspirational leadership and tactical acumen of Lord Nelson, who was killed after being fatally wounded by a musket bullet aboard HMS Victory. The Nelson Monument, standing on the top of Portsdown Hill in Monument Lane, honours his leadership and those who fought in the battle.

It has stood there for nearly 200 years after the foundation stone was laid in 1807 - created from subscriptions raised by officers and sailors who served under Lord Nelson. Members of The Equestrian, Secular and Chapterial Order of Saint Joachim will be laying a wreath during the commemoration, with the service being supported by personnel from HMS Collingwood in Fareham led by Executive Officer Cdr T Lawrenson RN.

The Chevalier Trevor Haynes GCJ said: “It is an honour to be part of naval history by the laying of a wreath at the ceremony on Trafalgar Day at the monument erected to commemorate Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, a unique figure in the history of our order and our nation. Being here at the Nelson Monument is in itself part of the history of Lord Nelson.”