Neglected by history

Dundee reader Ken Clark has been in touch. “Recently one of your correspondents lamented the lack of credit given to the naval action at Camperdown which resulted in victory for Admiral Duncan’s fleet, with the use of tactics that day which were subsequently replicated at Trafalgar with similar success.,” he says.

“I agree with the writer that more credit should be forthcoming, as the victory over the Dutch fleet was a game changer on so many levels.

“The article triggered memories of another about a Scot, influential at this time, similarly neglected by history. By chance, the article surfaced while I was searching through files for other material.

“The gentleman in question is John Clerk of Eldin, a remarkable individual on many levels. The article, featured in The Scots Magazine at the time of Trafalgar’s 200th anniversary, gives a fascinating account of Clerk’s life.

“It would be a fitting tribute to this man that a place be found for him alongside Admiral Duncan and their contributions be properly recognised.

“Modifying history to suit a certain narrative isn’t new, of course, as another article revealed. Apparently, when viewing a scale diorama that the Imperial War Museum constructed to illustrate the final moments of Waterloo, Wellington insisted that Blucher’s Prussian forces be whittled down, thereby reducing the impact of what was a decisive intervention.”