Bicentenary of Trafalgar
Madam, - The facts recounted by Kenneth Marsden (July 12th) regarding the Irish contribution to the British success at Trafalgar are indeed significant. In this period of more mature relationships with Britain, it is important to understand the part played by Irishmen and Irishwomen in the wars of the 18th and 19th centuries. However, the statements made in support of the argument should be based on fact and I can assure our Scottish friends that Admiral Sir Frederick L. Maitland RN, KCB, who took Napoleon's surrender on HMS Bellerophon on July 15th, 1815 (10 years after Trafalgar) was indeed a native of the land of the thistle.
He was born at Rankeillour, Fife in September 1777 and married Catherine Conner of Ballybricken, Cork, in April 1804 - this might explain the Irish connection. It may be of interest to note that Maitland was admitted to membership of the Royal and Ancient Golf club in 1799; as a result, Napoleon surrendered to a golfer!
The captain of the Bellerophon at the battle of Trafalgar on October 21st, 1805 was Captain John Cooke, who was baptised at St Mary's, Whitechapel, London, on March 5th, 1762. He was the second son of Francis Cooke, cashier of the navy, and was killed by two musket shots during the battle of Trafalgar. The Dictionary of National Biography has entries for Maitland and Cooke. - Yours, etc,
WILLIAM H. GIBSON, Naas, Co Kildare.
Madam, - It boggles the mind to think that there are some people who object to the presence of LE Eithne at the Trafalgar commemoration. Do these correspondents not realise that a quarter of Nelson's seamen were Irish, as were many of the officers and marines? Just look at the ships' muster rolls.
What are their opinions on the Wild Geese who fought for what was arguably the most repressive and autocratic regime of 18th-century Europe? I see nothing wrong in paying respect to the memory of a brave admiral and his brave men. - Yours, etc,
ARTHUR BOLAND, Cecilia Street, Dublin 2.