Nelson's Island

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nelson's Island is an island located in Abū Qīr Bay, off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt. It is a local site for picnics and recreation, and is the location of a group of British graves dating from the Napoleonic Wars.

In 2000, Italian archaeologist Dr. Paolo Gallo discovered a series of graves on the island. Further digging and research (in collaboration with British historian Nick Slope) determined that the graves dated from the 1798 Battle of the Nile, and another land battle in 1801. The remains of British officers, sailors, marines, women, and children were uncovered.

On April 18, 2005, the remains of thirty Royal Navy sailors and officers recovered from the island were buried in Alexandria. Only one body, that of Commander James Russell, was positively identified. The funeral was attended by the British ambassador to Egypt, members of the crew of the HMS Chatham, and a descendant of Commander Russell.

[edit] Resources

• Smith, Tannalee. "30 Members of British Fleet Reburied". Associated Press, April 18, 2005.
• "Women in Nelson's Navy" - BBC
• "Reburial for Nelson's comrades" - BBC