29. A turbot helped Britain win the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801
When Norway and Denmark insisted on trading with Revolutionary France in 1801, the British declared war. The combined Danish-Norwegian fleet lay near Copenhagen, but Admiral Hyde Parker felt reluctant to attack. His Vice-Admiral, Horatio Nelson, had other ideas and wanted to launch a full-on assault. Still, Parker dilly-dallied, until one of Nelson’s men caught a turbot. Knowing Parker loved fine food, Nelson sent the fish over to his ship. The unexpected gift seems to have changed Parker’s mind, and he let Nelson lead a daring offensive. Nelson’s aggressive strategy paid off, and British defeated the Danish-Norwegian fleet.