Introduction
The Battle of the Nile is among the Napoleonic wars, fought in August 1798 stands to be among the most significant victories of the British. The battle involved British and French fleets on the Egyptian coast in the Mediterranean at Aboukir Bay traces its roots from the invasion of Egypt by Napoleon as a way to constrict trade routes of the British in the Mediterranean. The British were led by Admiral Horatio Nelson, while Admiral Brueys d’Aigalliers led the French fleet. Following the invasion of Egypt by the French, the British commissioned Admiral Horatio Nelson to monitor the naval movements of the French. In an attempt to control the trade routes and prevent further trades between Britain and India, a battle raged between British fleets and French fleets.
Following the invasion of Egypt by Napoleon, the French wanted to gain control of the Mediterranean from which the British controlled. Since the ancient days, the Mediterranean had intense human activity, with trade being among the major activities. Therefore, the more control over the Mediterranean, the more trades and power an entity would gain. British held crucial strategic points in the Mediterranean: Malta, Gibraltar, and the Suez Canal. Therefore, the French invasion and capturing of Malta threatened the British control, and Admiral Nelson moved the British Fleet to secure the strategic points[1]. After the capture of Malta, the British, headed by Admiral Nelson, thought that the French would leave for Alexandria. Finding no French in Alexandria, Nelson returned to Sicily to resupply.
However, Admiral Nelson heard that the French fleet was spotted at Aboukir Bay near Alexandria, and he immediately left to attack. Admiral Horatio Nelson’s keen eye for action, excellent judgment, and ability to inspire subordinates and soldiers made him happy as he commanded the British fleet for a night attack. The French did not expect an attack at the late hours of the day, so they relaxed. Led by Admiral in command of the HM flagship, Vanguard, the British fleet attacked the anchored French ships using the Nelsonian maneuver. The battle lasted several hours, resulting in the surrender of French battleships. Majorly, the 120-gun flagship, L’Orient, blew up, killing most of the onboard fleet, including Admiral Brueys d’Aigalliers, and lucky ones got away[2]. That led to British victory in the late-night under Admiral Horatio Nelson in the Battle of the Nile at Aboukir Bay. Napoleon’s army was left stranded with disintegrated plans, and designs on India were scotched. The British prestige was upheld and maintained major control of the Mediterranean.
Army FM-3 Principles of War
The Objective
Every war has combatants led by doctrines and policies they wish to impose to attain set goals towards imminent benefits. In the Battle of the Nile, Napoleon wanted to take control of the Mediterranean under British control. With control of the Mediterranean, the French would benefit from supply routes. However, Britain was not ready to lose the trade routes and interactions with India hence the battle. After winning the battle, the British army regained Malta with the help of natives and sent the French back to Valletta, never to return. The win in the Battle of the Nile has depicted the most decisive naval encounter with the glorious success of the British Navy.
The Offensive
Offensive actions keep the enemy off balance and elevate chances of victory. Offensive acts exploit the weakness and unpreparedness of the enemy[3]. In the Battle of the Nile, the French did not expect an attack at late hours. They anchored their ships and relaxed as others napped. Such carelessness allowed the British fleet to maneuver the waters and take positions. Admiral Nelson’s command was precise and well thought and, with his maneuver, made an offensive attack on the vulnerable French fleet. The French took a lot of time trying to set landward batteries. Admiral Bruey had earlier ignored warning on invading the British, claiming it was unlikely for the British to attack late in the day. The British destroyed French ships, killing many soldiers, and even the largest flagship blew up with the French Admiral. Even though the French had set up defensive positions, they lacked anticipation and knew the British were coming. The French were disoriented and chased from the Mediterranean in the British victory.
Economy of Effort
The economy of effort in battle entails joint forces with superior vessels at the front line, objective clarity, unity of command, and thorough indoctrination[4]. After missing the French in Alexandria, Admiral Nelson went to resupply in Sicily. He got reinforcements of ships from Gibraltar, and a squadron from England arrived for support. Nevertheless, the French also had a fire supply with a 120-gun ship standing at the heart of the line. Both fleets were armed with all they could secure within the time frame leading to battle. Early in the battle, Nelson’s ship was under fire leading to a minor injury on Nelson’s head, but with a surgeon on board, he was stitched and got back to command. Even with injuries, the British Navy maximized their attacks, with the injured being nursed to shape to continue with the battle. Therefore, both fleets maximized their resources towards optimal results, and indeed results were achieved.
Maneuver
In naval wars, combatants tend to approach the enemy with utmost precision and minimal sound without alarming the enemy[5]. The British maneuver is clearly stated as Admiral Nelson, even though young, had a keen eye and great judgment to discern the unpreparedness of the French fleet. In the days spent in the sea looking for Napoleon’s fleet, Nelson discussed with his captains and made plans to be aggressive and initiate an immediate attack. British warships were able to get within and behind the French battle line by maneuvering around its front. The French defensive measure prevented the British ships from anchoring and expected attack from the land stations. On the contrary, the British attacked from the seaward side, and some ships went for the landward side to ensure an absolute attack. The French soldiers were napping and were doomed to defeat without many supplies. Such precise maneuvers ensured effective attacks leading to victory with many French soldiers killed and only a few in the British fleet destroyed.
Surprise and Security
These two principles of war protect against enemies who wish to take advantage and imagine themselves as clever in battle. However, surprise is two-bladed, meaning it could get a win but also could backfire and lead to massive casualties[6]. In the Battle of the Nile, British Navy used the element of surprise and attacked when least expected. By the element of surprise, the British won the battle. With regard to security, the French protected the landward side and failed to deploy ships for the seaward attack similarly. According to Admiral Breuys’ plans, the French would be at an advantage in case of landward attack, and in the wake of the battle, he was wrong and died in the process. Therefore, security is crucial, and so is the element of surprise, hoping that it won’t backfire.
Bibliography
Davis, Paul K. 100 Decisive Battles: from ancient times to the present. ABC-CLIO, 2000.
Fox, Major Amos C. “On the Principles of War.” (2021)
Korda, Matt, Hans M. Kristensen, and Steven Aftergood. “ADDITIONAL RESOURCES.”
Mallick, Pk. “PRINCIPLES OF WAR. “(2020).
Sellers, Jordan. “Zero Ground: Mapping Maritime Commemoration in the Age of Nelson.” European Romantic Review 26, no. 6 (2015): 679-698.
[1] Davis, Paul K. 100 Decisive Battles: from ancient times to the present. ABC-CLIO, 2000.
[2] Sellers, Jordan. “Zero Ground: Mapping Maritime Commemoration in the Age of Nelson.” European Romantic Review 26, no. 6 (2015): 679-698.
[3] Mallick, Pk. “PRINCIPLES OF WAR. “(2020).
[4] Fox, Major Amos C. “On the Principles of War.” (2021)
[5] Korda, Matt, Hans M. Kristensen, and Steven Aftergood. “ADDITIONAL RESOURCES.”
[6] Mallick, Pk. “PRINCIPLES OF WAR. “(2020).
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