Britain was at war with France from AD 1793 until 1815. By 1797, French victories in Europe left Britain on the edge of defeat without allies. That year there were naval mutinies against the conditions of service: brutal discipline (floggings for small offences could lead to death), rotten food, low pay and a promotion system riddled with corruption. The Admiralty realised improvements would have to be made.

Admiral Duncan’s victory over the Dutch fleet (under French rule) at Camperdown in October 1797 turned the tide of British fortunes. The fleet, under Nelson, was then ordered back into the Mediterranean. In 1798, Nelson destroyed Napoleon’s navy at the Battle of the Nile. After a period of armed neutrality, Britain was forced to go to war again when Napoleon rearmed. In October 1805, Nelson engaged the French at Cape Trafalgar and annihilated them without the loss of a single British ship. Nelson himself was shot by a sniper during the battle, but his victory saved Britain from invasion and he became a national hero.

During the French wars the Navy was greatly expanded. Naval dockyards at Chatham, Portsmouth and Devonport pioneered mass production to produce improved sailing warships. Nelson’s heroic victories gave the service a new pride in itself, and conditions were gradually improved.