Lot 4334

Description

Naval General Service Medal 1793-1840, - clasp - Trafalgar. Richard Chinnock. Impressed. Contact marks, good fine.

Confirmed on medal roll as entitled to clasp Trafalger under Z/647 as Private in Royal Marines on ship, Britannia. The Royal Marines' muster roll (ADM36/15996) indicates that he came from Lye-on-Mendip, Somerset and was 20 years of age when he joined the ship. HMS Britannia was the oldest ship in the British Fleet present at Trafalgar. However, her size, strength and heavy armament made her an important asset in battle even if her sailing qualities did not equal other ships of the fleet. When the battle began she was in the column led by Nelson being positioned slightly out of line and abreast HMS Neptune. She opened fire at long range on several of the French and Spanish ships but it was two hours before she was in position where she could break the enemy line. Britannia remained in action until the end of the battle. She sustained 52 casualties, 10 killed and 42 wounded and was only slightly damaged compared to other British ships thus she was able to escort prizes back to England. With research.