|
Details - Naval General Service medal Algiers |
SOLD
A one-of-a-kind Naval General Service medal 1793-1840 clasp Algiers and named to "John H. Stevens, 1st Lieut. R.M.A." For service with the Royal Marines Artillery. Also with a photograph of Major-General J.H. Stevens. Lieutenant Stevens served on the Fame as she was employed in the Western Ocean West Indies and Coast of South America. He disembarked to join the Artillery and after pursuing mathematical studies and artillery instruction he embarked on the Princess of Orange and served during the entirely expedition to Walcheren in 1809. He was engaged in the Flotilla and Mortar Brig Gallant in the Slough passage. He contracted Walcheren Fever and took one month's leave in 1810. He then belonged to the Mortar Vessel Fearless and upon his proposition it became active and was extensively employed in the bombarding at the Defence of Cadiz and of Tarifa. At Algiers, Lt. Stevens was engaged in a very severe boat attack which resulted in an extensive loss of life. He also served a short time with the Spanish Army under General Zayas at Muelva. Following the seige of Cadiz, Lt. Stevens returned to England in ill health. In 1813 he was selected for the Rocket Service and attached to a Rocket Company under Lieutenant Balchild and then joined the Expedition under Sir J.B. Warren in the River Chesapeake. He was engaged in the attack of Craney Island, the Capture of Hampton and Occacoke and the taking of the Anaconda Brig at Atlas Schooner at Kent Island. He disembarked at Quebec October 1813 for service in Canadian then invaded the Americans. He commanded the Marine Artillery at the Capture of Oswego and was mentioned in public despatches of Lt.General Sir Gordon Drummond published in the Gazette. He was employed in constructing a Field Work in the Bay of Quinte. Under constant fire on the Niagara Frontier and Fort Erie. At the conclusion of the war, Lt. Stevens was returned to England in command of some men. In 1816 he was again selected for service and was present at the Battle of Algiers on the Queen Charlotte. Lord Exmouth writes of Captain Stevens "your indefatigable zeal on that day fell under my immediate observation and very deservedly excites my admiration and applause."
In 1817, Stevens took four months leave. In May 1818 he was ordered to attend at the Admiralty to receive a description from Sir William Congreave of his new gunsights then proposed for the Navy. Stevens is mentioned many times in Fraser and Carr Laughton's "History of the Royal Marine Artillery. Pub. 1923. 2/Lt. 1805; 1/Lt 1809; Captain (Supt) 1832; Lieutenant Colonel 1848; Retired Full Pay List 1850; Promoted Major General on Retired List 1855; Last shown in list 1866. Died at King William Place, Portsmouth, 26 February 1866.
Confirmed on the Roll for Algiers as Stevens, John Henry First-Lieutenant, R.M. Queen Charlotte. There are many clasps for the NGS that were not issued and there is some suggestion that Stevens may have been entitled. Also possible entitlement to Boat Service 23 Nov, 1814 and BS 23 Nov 1814 but not on roll. Needs more research. Very rare to the Royal Marines ARTILLERY!
Price: EF $13500.00 Canadian
|
<< Back
|
