Horatio Nelson was a celebrated British naval commander who won significant battles during the Napoleonic Wars around the turn of the 19th century. The admiral was seriously injured four times, losing the sight in one eye and the use of one arm, but he still soldiered on -- until a French sniper killed him during the Battle of Trafalgar in October 1805. It turns out that the fearless national hero had at least one weakness-- ironically, Nelson suffered from severe seasickness. However, it didn't stop his naval career.
A love-hate relationship with the sea:
- In an 1804 letter, Nelson discussed his struggle with seasickness. “I am ill every time it blows hard and nothing but my enthusiastic love for the profession keeps me one hour at sea,” he wrote.
- The brilliant Nelson joined the Royal Navy at age 12 and became a captain at age 20.
- In his private life, Nelson was known for his extended love affair with Emma, Lady Hamilton, while they were both married to other people.