P.O.D.
Admiral Brueys suddenly realised that on the afternoon of 1 August 1798, Villeneuve had to be involved in combat as a result of an earlier order to involve the latter admiral in the battle. The French Admiral hurriedly rushed his ships into position and the ships became involved earlier than in reality.
As a result, the first few minutes or so of the battle proceed as in reality, but the HMS Bellerophon and Majestic faced the shelling of 4 battleships early in the battle and suffered heavy damage, losing all their masts and being shelled to near wreckage. Later, the 2 British ships were temporarily captured, but the French lost 11 ships of the line [same as in reality, with two prizes castaway or escorting ships of the line diverting attention].
Effects: Minimal, apart from 2 more French ships of the line to be [re]captured and fewer French prizes at the Nile. The siege of Malta might last longer, but the end would be similar.
Maybe Tonnant diverts attention from the HMS Alexander and causes it to drift. This may result in another ship or two saved or lost. In any event, the difference is minimal. If the French flagship kept fighting, the battle might be long enough to divert British pursuit, but the French would still be ultimately defeated.
Any significant effects if the British lost not more than a few [less than 5] ships of the line or the French saved the same number?
Originally posted by Napoleon
" Admiral Villeneuve would not have thought himself blameless at Aboukir, for remaining inactive with five or six ships, that is to say, with half the squadron, for twenty four hours, whilst the enemy was overpowering the other wing."