Cuthbert Collingwood

Collingwood, Cuthbert, 1st Baron (1750-1810). The Newcastle upon Tyne-born Collingwood had no influence behind him, unlike Nelson, when he joined the navy in 1761. In dauntless courage Collingwood was unquestionably Nelson's equal, but a natural stoicism assisted Collingwood to more balanced judgements. Present at the ‘Glorious First of June’ battle 1794, and at Cape St Vincent in February 1797, Collingwood ruefully accepted not being within Nelson's command which resulted in victory at the Nile; and admiral rank only came in February 1799. At Trafalgar Collingwood commanded the Royal Sovereign, devastatingly opening the action at midday, and taking command of the fleet on Nelson's death at 4.30 p.m. Raised to the peerage, Collingwood died at sea in March 1810, but was buried close to Nelson in St Paul's.