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Auction: 25003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 72

(x) Alexander Davison's Medal for The Nile 1798, bronze-gilt, attractively and contemporarily engraved in the reverse field N BARNS, SWIFTSHURE [sic] B H Commanr., pierced with small ring suspension, obverse and reverse contact marks throughout, good fine

The Admiralty ratings service records note one Michael Barnes as serving aboard H.M.S. Swiftsure from 26 September 1796 - 24 June 1801; his name was initially recorded as 'Nicholas' and it therefore seems fair to surmise that these individuals are one and the same.

The 74-gun Swiftsure, commanded by Captain Benjamin Hallowell, played a key role in the Battle of the Nile: not joining Nelson's fleet until battle had been engaged, due to the darkness and smoke Hallowell struggled to ascertain the positions of the various opposing vessels. After almost firing on the disabled H.M.S. Bellerophon by mistake, Hallowell manoeuvred Swiftsure towards the French line and anchored across the stern of the Franklin and the bow of Orient - this latter vessel being the huge 120-gun flagship of the French commander, Vice-Admiral Francois-Paul Brueys d'Aigalliers. Pouring in a destructive fire from both broadsides, the noise must have been deafening but it was about to get much louder: after an hour of being in this position, a fire was noticed aboard Orient, which swiftly spread until the whole ship was a mass of flame. Knowing she would explode when the fire reached the powder room, Hallowell disengaged and attempted to gain some distance between the two vessels; Orient blew up at 10 p.m. (the massive blast temporarily stunning the opposing sides into silence) and fortunately Swiftsure evaded being badly damaged by flying debris. This was likely a sight Barnes never forgot. Hallowell and Swiftsure then moved on to recommence the attack on Franklin; once she surrendered the British captain ordered a further attack on the Tonnant, helping to drive her ashore.

Despite being in the thick of the fighting, Hallowell's crew were fortunate to lose only seven men killed and 22 wounded; he received a well-deserved Gold Medal for his command and his First Lieutenant, Thomas Cowan, was promoted Commander. As for Barnes, he is next noted as an Able Seaman aboard the 40-gun frigate H.M.S. Africaine (25 June 1801 - 27 February 1802) before removing to the 64-gun H.M.S. Ardent from 28 February - 11 April the same year.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£300 to £400

Starting price
£240