3 enduring nature of the attributes and qualities that still infuse the Royal Navy with its remarkable ethos, and helps to explain why Nelson is, in Mahan’s words, the very ‘embodiment of the Sea Power of Great Britain’. The ethos of the Royal Navy is defined as ‘the enduring spirit derived from our people’s loyalty to their ship, unit or team, sustained by high professional standards and strong leadership that gives us courage in adversity and the determination to fight and win.’ This is a way of life where the focus is on the people rather than ships in which they serve. The ethos recognises the importance of everyone in the command chain regardless of their rank or length of service. Moreover, its roots are clearly found in the letter Francis Austen wrote to his sweetheart, Mary Gibson, on 27 October 1805: ‘I never heard of his [Nelson’s] equal, nor do I expect again to see such a man. To the soundest judgement he united prompt decision and speedy execution of his plans and he possessed in a superior degree the happy talent of making every class of persons pleased with their situation and eager to exert themselves in forwarding the public service.’ Collingwood said, ‘We must endeavour to follow his example…’ The Royal Navy faces challenges that are peculiar to this unpredictable 21st century and its asymmetric brand of conflict, but Nelson’s legacy, and in the spirit of the restored toast to the Immortal Memory the spirit of all those who fell with him, demonstrates how good leadership sustains the ethos today. Following his example includes keeping things effective. Since my last Dispatch, a considerable amount of work has been done to revitalise the Club’s website. A refit was long overdue! We have employed Limeknight, a young and up and coming professional firm based at Portsmouth University, to help us redesign the architecture of the site so that it is more robust and capable of significant enlargement. This is particularly important as we begin to develop the educational side of the Club’s work through ‘living history’. The launch of the new site is set for 15 December and it carries a name that relates more clearly to the Club: <www.1805club.org>. Nevertheless, you will still be able to access it through our existing web address <www.admiralnelson.org>, but this will now stand alone as an information source about Nelson. One of the main features of the new site which we hope will be of real benefit to members, is the ‘members only’ area, which you will only be able to access through a password. Initially, this area will contain PDFs of past issues of The Kedge Anchor and articles from earlier editions of the Trafalgar Chronicle. However, we shall be adding to and updating the area on a regular basis and I am delighted that Josephine Birtwhistle is ready to take command of the new website in December. Moreover, members will be able to communicate with each other and engage in discussions with other members (see page 5) Communications were a little more arduous in Nelson’s day and as I write this Dispatch I am reminded that we are only a few days away from arguably the most prestigious event ever arranged by the Club: The celebration of the delivery of the news of the Battle of Trafalgar by post chaise to His Majesty King George III at Windsor Castle on 6 November 1805 at a reception in the Queen’s Guard Chamber at Windsor Castle in the presence of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT. The evening acknowledges the important link between the Royal Navy and carriage driving. To be at Windsor is a tremendous privilege for The 1805 Club and I am delighted that many members will be there to enjoy it. As one can imagine the demand was considerable and I am equally sorry for those who were unable to get tickets. All will recognise that a unique occasion like this raises the status of the Club and reinforces its ability to fulfil its charitable objectives. Looking forward to 2008 the Club is devising plans to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Lord Nelson’s birthday. These will include a civic dinner at Kings Lynn, a Nelson Birthday Concert at Burnham Thorpe, and a Service of Thanksgiving at All Saints Church, Burnham Thorpe. The dates are 26-28 September. Two weeks earlier on Saturday, 13 September the Club is arranging an international conference entitled The Collingwood Years: Naval Strategy against Napoleon 1806-1810 at HMS Collingwood followed by a dinner in the wardroom. Earlier in the year we are organising another conference entitled Anson's Voyage round the World and its Medical Aftermath at The Medical Society of London on Saturday, 7 June. Also with special thanks to its Director, Dr Colin White, the Club will be holding a fundraising dinner in the Nelson Gallery at the Royal Naval Museum for the conservation of Captain Henry Bayntun’s grave in Bath. The Club’s Trafalgar Dinner will be on Saturday, 18 October 2008. And there is much more (see p 15). It is going to be another busy year! As ever my thanks to Randy and Dana Mafit, Paul and Penny Dalton and our ‘contributing editor’, Alison Henderson, for this splendid issue of the Kedge Anchor – no longer a newsletter; now a news magazine! May I take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. With best wishes, Peter Warwick
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