Don Carlos Gravina

Spanish Admiral
1756-1806

A highly thought-of Spanish naval officer, Don Carlos Gravina's career included operations during the great siege of Gibraltar and being part of the French invasion fleet for San Domingo.

Before Trafalgar he advised Admiral Villeneuve to act cautiously but when the Franco-Spanish fleet sallied out to battle he fought with courage on his flagship Principe de Asturias.

Despite being badly wounded he took command of the surviving vessels in the fleet when Villeneuve was captured and ordered a return to Cadiz.

Gravina died from the effects of his wounds the following year.