By approaching at a 90 degree angle to the combined enemy fleets, Nelson's flag ship HMS Victory and his fleet was pummeled by the French and Spanish for 15 minutes before they were able to engage their own broadsides. Then, they split the enemy fleet into 3 parts, and cut it to ribbons.
The bravery of these men was unbelievable. There was no place to hide on these oak floating behemoths. The carnage was horrific.