HMS Vanguard (1787) to Sicily via Asia Minor. Convinced that the French were going to Egypt he set sail once more for Alexandria. On the evening of 1 August 1798, half an hour before sunset, the Battle of the Nile began when Nelson attacked the French fleet which was moored in a strong line of battle in Aboukir Bay with gunboats, four frigates, and batteries on Aboukir Island to protect their flanks. was the leading ship and, followed by four others, she broke through the French line to anchor and fight from the shoreward side. "Vanguard" remained on the seaward side and soon
Nelson's band of brothers carried out a successful landing at Alexandria in early July. Nelson finally caught up with the French fleet on 1 August, anchored in Aboukir Bay. Nelson immediately prepared an attack, taking the French by surprise, and won a decisive victory, capturing or burning most of the fleet. Under Nelson's command at this time were: Of the brothers, Nelson had already served alongside several. Miller had commanded as Nelson's flag captain at the Battle of Cape St Vincent in 1797, where Troubridge had commanded HMS "Culloden". The Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife some months later reunited Miller and Troubridge, whilst