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The enemy standing before him had the weather gauge and was, for once, ready to fight. He could see them two miles distant preparing to bear down on his short line, which was sailing eastwards and dangerously close to the lee shore. The enemy approach was at right angles and in two distinct divisions. Six frigates opposed his four. This was Trafalgar in miniature, except that the enemy was dictating the tactics. He may have been out-gunned, but his squadron was not out-classed. Cleared for action his frigates beat to quarters. Their port lids were open, and the guns, loaded with double shot, were run out. His patient and well-trained gun crews were steadfast. He felt exalted and was keen to express his confidence and excitement to all those under his command. He needed an inspirational signal. Instinctively his mind found two words: ’Remember Nelson’. They did the trick.
His name was William Hoste and the Battle of Lissa in the Adriatic was about to begin. The Royal Navy contested French dominance of the Adriatic from the small island of Lissa and on 14 March 1811 Rear Admiral Edouard Dubordieu and Captain William Hoste fought their fierce little frigate action, supported on the French side by their Venetian allies and some smaller ships. In spite of being out-gunned and outnumbered Hoste, a protégée of Nelson, won a brilliant victory and we commemorate the 200th anniversary of his achievement within a few weeks of this issue of the Kedge Anchor.
