Lieutenant Henry Millbank, from my wife’s family, fought at Trafalgar in 1805. At the time he was serving as Master’s Mate on board the Colossus. The Colossus was a new ship, launched at Deptford in 1803. With 74 guns, she was classed as a second-rate. Trafalgar was her first major engagement.
A master’s mate was an experienced seaman, often recruited from merchant service. The rank was the highest rank of non-commissioned officer, and midshipmen, who were kept waiting overlong for promotion to lieutenant, would often seek an interim appointment as master’s mate. Henry Millbank would have been responsible for the condition of the sails, rigging and anchors, and the stowing of the hold since this affected the trim of the Colossus.
At Trafalgar, Nelson’s strategy was to break the French line by sailing two columns of ships across the French line. The strategy involved huge risks until the French line had been broken. Colossus, under Captain J. N. Morris, was the sixth ship in the lee column.
At the point of victory, the Colossus had suffered greatly in the battle. She was almost totally incapacitated, with foremast shot through, mizenmast in the sea, and the mainmast close to a similar fate. With 40 crew dead and 160 injured, she suffered more casualties than any other British ship. Captain Morris, who had been shot through the leg, remained on duty until fainting from loss of blood.
Henry Millbank lived only three more years during which time he was promoted to lieutenant. His obituary reads:
“On the 18th of July last died, on board His Majesty’s ship Colossus, off Toulon, Lieutenant Millbank, eldest son of Mr. Henry Millbank of Feering in this county, deservedly lamented by the officers and crew after lingering in a very debilitated state of body for several months occasioned from the wounds he received in the ever-memorable battle of Trafalgar, in the above-named ship, in the 37th year of his age. Such was the zeal & courage displayed by Lieutenant Millbank in the glorious action of the 21st October, that though he received five severe wounds, he persisted in remaining upon deck till the engagement terminated, contributing in a very eminent degree, by his example & perseverance, towards the defeat of the enemies of his country. The date of the year 1808.”
His experiences of that day are impossible to fully appreciate or recreate now. His portrait, not very well executed, is in our house and his sword is believed still to be in the family. However, we intend to pursue Lieutenant Millbank through his service records.