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Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: The Glorious First of June
Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: The Glorious First of June
Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: The Glorious First of June
Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: The Glorious First of June

Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: The Glorious First of June

Associated (Frogmore House, Windsor, England, 1900 - 1979)
DateMay 2004
Object NameMedal
MediumSterling Silver
ClassificationsMedals
AcquisitionPresented in 2004 by Dr Joan M Burrell.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS072500.33
About MeIt was King George III himself who first referred to Howe's tactical victory over the French on 1st June, 1794 as 'Glorious'. Howe captured five ships of the line far out into the Atlantic, and sank a sixth. This was the climax of manoeuvering and partial encounters which had extended over several days, and it signified that supremacy in combat of the British fleet which, by and large, was maintained over the whole stretch of what was known as the 'Great' War against Revolutionary and Napoleonic France, a conflict which extended for over 20 years. For his part, the French admiral, Villaret-Joyeuse, succeeded, by his stand, in covering the passage of a vital grain convoy from America to France, so that the honours of the day were shared.

Lord Howe (1726-99) took a leading part in three wars, and held with distinction every rank in the Navy, besides being in office as First Lord of the Admiralty from 1783-88. Known to the sailors as 'Black Dick' from his dark complexion, Nelson called him 'the immortal Earl Howe ...our great Master in naval tactics and bravery'. Howe was the only admiral ever to have received the Order of the Garter for services purely naval in character.

The Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea, John Pinches Medallists Ltd.