Where did the term "England Expects" come from?

Question

As a Scot, Im curious. I'd really like to be supportive of England's World Cup effort - and I would, if it weren't for this strangely arrogant belief. I suspect this has originated from Imperial times and the belief has somehow passed down through generations. I heard a commentator say it tonight on TV and just wondered when this notion might just become a little more modest.

Brazil expects, I can understand... can anyone explain?

Did Nelson first coin this?

Answer 1

Yes, it was Nelson.

Nelson's famous signal "England Expects That Every Man Will Do His Duty" was made from the poop deck of the Victory at 11.15 a.m. on 21 October 1805. This was just minutes before the commencement of the Battle of Trafalgar.

The signal was raised using Popham's Telegraphic Code which had been adopted by the Navy in 1803.

Shortly after 11 a.m. Nelson was pacing the quarterdeck with Captain Henry Blackwood, the captain of the frigate Euryalus. The nearest enemy ships were less than two miles away.

Turning to Blackwood, Nelson said: "I'll now amuse the Fleet with a signal. Do you think there is one yet wanting?" "I think the whole of the Fleet seems to understand very clearly what they are about," answered Blackwood.

But Nelson was already walking across to where Pasco and his signalmen were waiting. He ordered a signal to be made to the Africa - sailing towards them over on the larboard beam near the head of the enemy's line - to "Engage the enemy more closely", and another to the Fleet, to "Prepare to anchor after the close of the day".

Then he said: "Mr Pasco, I wish to say to the Fleet, England confides that every man will do his duty". He added; "You must be quick, for I have one more to make, which is for Close Action."

Pasco thought for a moment, mentally sarching through Sir Home Popham's telegraphic vocabulary. Then he replied: "If your Lordship will permit me to substitute "expects" for "confides" the signal will soon be completed, because the word "expects" is in the vocabulary, and "confides" must be spelt". "That will do Pasco," said Nelson "make it directly".