Full medal write up
NAVAL GENERAL SERVICE 1793, CLASP SYRIA ‘CHARLES WELCH.’
Charles Welch, a Labourer, was born in Britford, Salisbury, Wiltshire circa 1814 and attested to serve in the Royal Marines at Portsmouth on 16 August 1834. He was entered in the Regimental Register with the number of 1157 and joined the 85th Company of the Portsmouth Division of Royal Marines. Welch’s service was as follows:
21 March 1836, joined HMS Vanguard a 78-gun (or 80-gun) second-rate ship of the line. Served aboard this ship until 2 April 1840.
4 September 1840 joined HMS Stromboli, a 1st class Paddle sloop of 1839 Commanded by Commander Woodford John Williams. From Porstmouth came a report – “A detachment of Royal marines, consisting of 300 (Including nine officers) were ordered to embark on board the Stromboli and proceed to Malta, to be placed at the disposal of the Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Sir Robert Stopford. Of this detachment 150 are from Chatham, the remainder are from this division and are accompanied by Captains Whylock, Leonard and Doman; Lieutenants Aslett, Shewin, Hocker and Hocking. The whole are under the command of Lieut-Colonel McCullum”.
On 6th September 1840, the ship sailed for the Mediterranean and on 26 September the Stromboli joined Napier’s force detailed to take possession of Sidon, she joined the force just as they were about to commence operations. The ships anchored in a crescent formation facing the town and defences, with the Stromboli on the extreme southern end. After an initial bombardment, landings were made at various points. The attack on the extreme left was made by marines from the Stromboli and an Austrian frigate. About 280 marines were embarked in the boats of the different ships and after very heavy cannonading had apparently cleared the way for them pulled into the shore. This part of the attack was under Lieutenant Russell of the Stromboli with about 23 of the ship’s crew. The Marines were led by Captain Whylock and Lieutenant Hocking. There was some difficulty in landing due to the surf and during this time they were exposed to a heavy musketry fire from the defenders, by which some of the marines were severely wounded. As soon as they formed up, they rushed up the beach towards a breach in the wall through which they could enter the town during this advance and while cheering on his men, Lieutenant Hocking was mortally wounded. The marines fought their through the town and after about an hour the fortress was taken.
Two midshipmen (James Hurst) of the Stromboli and a young Austrian (Dominica Chinea) were involved in a race to plant their country’s flag from the captured fortress, a race which was won by Mr. Hurst. The British loss was 11 killed and 39 wounded. This included Stromboli’s casualties of 1 marine (Lieut C.T. Hockin) killed with 3 marines severely wounded and 1 marine slightly wounded. These appear to have been caused while storming the fortress which commanded the town. Of the three severely wounded one was Charles Welch who lost three fingers from one hand.) London Gazette 17 November 1840 confirms casualty numbers.
Welch’s papers state that he left Stromboli on the 3 December 1840 and on 24 December 1840, a divisional board (Col. Parks C.B., Captain Mercer and Captain Evans) looking at the discharge of 1157 Charles Welch of the 85 Company Plymouth Royal Marine Division remarked that “Wounded at the storming of Sidon” for which he has received a SMART TICKET (see note). He has served afloat and on Foreign Stations for 4 years 3 months 13 days and with a total service on shore in the United Kingdom 2 years and 28 days (total 6 years, 4 months 11 days). The Cause of his discharge is in consequence of having lost three fingers (Wounded in Action) contracted in the service and per Admiralty order dated 22nd December 1840.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Sidon_(1840)
The Defaulters book was examined and parole testimony from other sources heard. His conduct was found to be Very Good and he received from his senior officer Capitan Mercer a high testimony of his good conduct during the four years that he served under Capitan Mercers immediate command. Being asked if he had any claims against the service he stated none other than 13 days conduct money. The board verified that his ledger account was balanced and signed by the pay Capitan of his division then approved his discharge which was signed and dated 26 December 1840 (the report No.3437) Discharged in 1840 as an invalid.
1881 census records Charles Welch, a 66 year old Royal Marine Pensioner, residing with his wife and son at 4 Whitsbury Street, Whitsbury. He died on 20 February 1888 and is buried in Whitsbury.
Charles Welch is a unique name on the medal roll.
Condition VF, some contact wear. Ex Glendenning’s 1953 and Spinks June 1977.
A rare Syrian campaign casualty medal.