11:40 a.m.
It has been too often well described for me to have any excuse for making the attempt . Indeed , when once it began , even the officers knew very little about the matter , and the men engaged in working the guns knew nothing beyond what they and their actual opponents were about . All I know is , that Lord Nelson was afraid the enemy would try and get back into Cadiz , and in order to prevent him , he resolved to pass through the van of his line . At 11:40 a.m. Lord Nelson ordered that ever-memorable signal to be made -- `` England expects that every man will do his duty . '' Nobly , I believe , one and all did their duty ; and , oh ! may Englishmen never forget that signal in whatever work they may be engaged . It was received with loud cheers throughout the fleet both by officers and men .