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How Admiral Nelson Lost his Right Arm
In the 18th Century, the Canary Islands were at the very hub of trade between Europe and the New World. The port of Santa Cruz on Tenerife saw a constant stream of maritime traffic bringing gold and silver from the Americas in exchange for Malmsey wine, a product of the Canaries which was considered the finest wine of its day and so prized that a barrel was part of Shakespeare’s annual stipend. The importance of the port of Santa Cruz brought great wealth to the city. Unfortunately, it also attracted the attention of less welcome visitors and from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries Tenerife was subjected to repeated attack by pirates and privateers. But in 1797 it was the British Fleet under the command of Admiral Nelson that tried to lay siege to the city and plunder the San José galleon which lay at anchor in the port, filled with gold from the New World. Having been at war with Spain for four years, Nelson convinced the British monarchy that his plan was virtually foolproof and that its resultant success would both bring Spain to heel and bring Britain untold wealth. The ensuing military campaign was thwarted by bad weather and a lack of accurate geographic intelligence which led to a bundled first landing and loss of the element of surprise, allowing the forces of Santa Cruz to rally. With damp gunpowder and facing the fire power of 84 cannon, Nelson attempted to stage a full frontal attack on the harbour and was himself amongst the second wave of landing craft. Before he could reach the shore, Nelson was hit in his right arm, shattering the elbow and severing a main artery. Forced to retreat to the ship’s surgeon, the arm was amputated while his men were heavily defeated by the forces of General Gutiérrez. There were over 150 English fatalities to a mere half a dozen Spanish.
Those who were captured had their wounds treated and were allowed to return to their fleet, escorted through the city with full military honours. In thanks for the good treatment of his men, Nelson despatched a barrel of English ale and a cheese to General Gutiérrez who returned the compliment with a barrel of Malmsey wine and a note in which he expressed his desire that the two men may meet again one day under more favourable circumstances; a very gentlemanly affair indeed. The port of Santa Cruz today has a monument erected to commemorate the bravery of those troops who defended the city against Nelson and the city’s Military Museum has a scale model of the failed attack which provides a valuable social, historic and military insight into the period. It also houses all manner of military paraphernalia and the ‘Tigre’, the canon that allegedly took Nelson’s right arm. |
Secret Tenerife - Nelson's failed attack on Santa Cruz
The somewhat incongruous Monument to Victory on Santa Cruz harbour which commemorates Nelson's defeat
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May, 2012
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