Geordie LaForge's model of Nelson's HMS Victory
Horatio Nelson was an admiral of His Majesty's Royal Navy in the early 19th century on Earth. In 1805 he led his fleet to victory against a larger combined French and Spanish force at the Battle of Trafalgar, the decisive naval engagement of the Napoleonic Wars. Nelson was wounded in the battle, dying on the deck of his flagship HMS Victory.
Geordi La Forge built a detailed model of Nelson's Victory as a gift for his former commander, Captain Zimbata of the USS Victory in 2365. (TNG: "Elementary, Dear Data")
While deciding whether or not to retreat from a Borg cube laying in wait for the Enterprise-D in 2366, Captain Picard thought of Nelson. Talking with Guinan, he recalled the Admiral's tour of the Victory preceding his final battle. (TNG: "The Best of Both Worlds, Part I")
Two Federation starships were named after Royal Navy sailing ships commanded by Nelson.
- USS Agamemnon (NCC-11638)
- USS Victory (NCC-9754)
Background
Nelson's legendary career inspired "Horatio Hornblower", the title character of a popular series of novels and stories written by C.S. Forester in the mid-20th Century. In turn, the literary hero would have a significant influence on Star Trek.