The real basis for Duty

The scene where Hotspur sails into the Brest channel and wreaks havoc among the French transports is a fictionalized account of a real incident that happened in 1796. A large French fleet (some 35 ships) leaving Brest headed for Ireland was opposed by a single English ship, which caused much confusion by giving false signals. The ship was none other than Indefatigable, commanded by Sir Edward Pellew.