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Auction: 1025 - The Turl Collection of Naval General Service Medals 1793 - 1840
Lot: 58

A Fine ´Algiers´ N.G.S. to Lieutenant William Sweeting, Royal Navy, Who As a Midshipman Took Part in the Bombardment of the Fortified Town, 27.8.1816, and Was Severely Wounded During the Action; His Gallant Conduct Earned Him A Commission Naval General Service 1793-1840, one clasp, Algiers (Wm. Sweeting, Midshipman.), extremely fine Estimate £ 1,800-2,200 William Sweeting served as Admiralty Midshipman in H.M.S. Superb when the combined English and Dutch fleets attacked the heavily fortified town of Algiers, 27.8.1816. British casualties amounted to 128 killed, 690 wounded; the Dutch suffered 13 killed and 52 wounded. The Impregnable, Leander, Superb, Granicus and Glasgow had their masts and yards greatly damaged. Lieutenant William Sweeting, born March 1793; joined the Royal Navy as First Class Volunteer, July 1807, and was appointed to La Nymphe (Captains C. Shipley and the Hon. Josceline Percy); served with the latter accompanying the expedition against Copenhagen before proceeding for service on the Mediterranean station; served as Midshipman in H.M. Ships Centaur, Ville De Paris and Hibernia (flag ships of Rear-Admirals Sir Samuel Hood, T.F. Fremantle, and Sir Richard G. Keats), October 1809-December 1811; served in H.M.S. Minden, December 1811-March 1816; appointed Admiralty-Midshipman H.M.S. Superb (Captain C. Ekins), July 1816, ´and on 27 of the ensuing Aug. he was present at the bombardment of Algiers, where he was severely wounded by large splinters in the forehead, right shoulder, and breast. These injuries not being considered equal to the loss of a limb, he received no pecuniary compensation. His conduct, however, procured him a commission dated 16 Sept 1816´ (O´Byrne refers) Provenance: Glendining March 1992 Spink Medal Circular April 1994

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£2,600