Nelson turns a blind eye

“Concerned that Vice Admiral Nelson was in trouble, but guessing that he wouldn’t sail to safety without permission, Admiral Sir Hyde Parker used flag signals to order the retreat. When informed, Nelson raised his telescope to his blind eye - wounded in a previous battle - and announced: “I have only one eye, and I have a right to be blind sometimes… I really do not see the signal!” Nelson continued the fight - and won a great victory. His bravery and ambition was rewarded with the command of the British fleet, which he led to historic triumph at Trafalgar four years later”.

(BBC History Magazine).