Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: Bombardment of Algiers

Images(2)

Mountbatten Medallic History of Great Britain and the Sea Medal: Bombardment of Algiers

AssociatedAssociated with Lord Mountbatten of Burma (Frogmore House, Windsor, England, 1900 - 1979)

Medallist John Pinches, Medallists

DateMay 2004

Object NameMedal

MediumSterling Silver

ClassificationsMedals

AcquisitionPresented in 2004 by Dr Joan M Burrell.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS072500.40

Keywords

About MeFor three centuries the pirates of Algiers, Tunis and Tripoli, usually known as the Barbary Corsairs, preyed on shipping passing through the Gut of Gibraltar. Their geographical position on the western entrance to the Mediterranean, as well as their skilful seamanship and the sailing qualities of their small, lateen-rigged ships and galleys, enabled the corsairs to intercept great numbers of European merchantmen. Piracy was a trade, the cargoes and crews of captured vessels being held for ransom. Charities existed to redeem Christian captives, but many of these turned Muslim and themselves became renegade corsairs. On the whole, slaves were well treated, but after the trade in African slaves had been abolished the time had come to suppress white slavery also.

When the Napoleonic wars were over, Britain, with her vast fleets, was in a position to do so. In this she was following the example of the United States which, in 1815, sent Commodore Decatur to extort promises to desist from piracy from the North African regencies. In 1816 a particularly atrocious massacre led Britain to despatch a formidable force to Algiers.

The admiral in command was Lord Exmouth (1757-1833). As Sir Edward Pellew he had made a great reputation as a frigate captain by his capture of the 74-gun Droits de l' Homme in 1797 .He had been commander-in-chief of the East Indies station before assuming command in the Mediterranean in1811. His instructions were to persuade the Deys of Tunis and Algiers to restore stolen property, free the slaves and desist from the blackmail tribute demanded for a free passage for European vessels. Having done so at Tunis, he proceeded to Algiers.

He flew his flag in the Queen Charlotte (100 guns) and his force included five line-of- battle ships and 13 smaller ships. He was joined by the Dutch admiral Van de Cappellan with six frigates. On 24th August, 1816, this huge force opened fire on the mole and harbour of Algiers. It was the biggest and longest bombardment on record, over 500 tons of shot being fired before darkness fell. The next day Exmouth renewed his demands: 1,200 slaves were freed and a large indemnity paid.

Even though this was the greatest disaster yet suffered by the city, piracy continued on a reduced scale until the French in 1830 conquered Algeria and occupied most of north Africa.

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