Commissioned in 1778 Victory was a classic example of a "British Ship of the Line." Admiral Horatio Nelson chose her as his flagship. He successfully defeated the French at the "Battle of Trafalgar." Admiral Nelson died on her deck at that same bloody battle when he went on deck in full uniform. A French sharpshooter in the rigging shot him through the heart. The Victory can still be visited today. She has been completely restored and is permanently berthed in Portsmouth Harbor England.