THE FINE 3 CLASP NAVAL GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL AWARDED TO AN OFFICER WHO TOOK PART IN THE EXPEDITION TO FERROL AND EGYPT, THE AMPHIBIOUS ATTACK ON THE HARBOUR AND FRENCH BATTERIES AT PORTO FERRAJO 1801, BEFORE BEING PRESENT AT ABOARD DONEGAL AT THE CAPTURE OF THE SPANISH THREE DECKER RAYO AFTER TRAFALGAR AND AT THE BATTLES OF ST. DOMINGO AND BASQUE ROADS. MENTIONED FOR HIS SERVICE AS FIRST LIEUTENANT IN COMMAND OF BOATS ARMED WITH CONGREVE’S ROCKETS AT THE ATTACK OF TWO FRENCH FRIGATES MOORED CLOSE UNDER THE BATTERIES OF LA HOGUE, 1810, BEFORE SERVING AS FIRST OF MAIDSTONE IN AMERICA 1812-13, SEEING A GREAT DEAL OF SERVICE ON THE CHESAPEAKE AND RAPPAHANNOCK RIVERS DURING THE EARLY PHASES OF THE WAR WITH AMERICA

NAVAL GENERAL SERVICE 1793-1840, 3 CLASPS, EGYPT, ST. DOMINGO, BASQUE ROADS 1809 ‘JOHN TAYLOR, MASTER’S MATE.’

Navy List entry:

“J. Taylor, Mid. of Gibraltar in the expedition, to Ferrol, 1800, and Egypt, and commanded her launch at the attack of the enemy's works at Elba 1801. Mate of Donegal during the important services of that ship after Trafalgar; and of same ship at St. Domingo, 1806. Lieut. of Donegal at the attack on Fr. frigate squadron destroyed at Sables d'Olonne; and upon the Fr. fleet in Aix Roads, 1809; and at attack upon two Fr. frigates moored close under the batteries of La Hogue, 1810. Lieut. of Maidstone at destruction of two American privateers in the bay of Fundy, 1812; and at capture of American Revenue cutter, and other vessels in the Chesapeake and Rappahannock, 1813.”

John Taylor was born on 18 February 1781 and aged 13, entered the Royal Navy on 6 December 1794, as a Landsman on board the Scorpion gun-brig, stationed off Jersey, under Lieutenant-Commander Thomas Crocker. He removed, in September 1795, to the Bravo gun-brig, Captain Philip D’Auvergne, again stationed off Jersey. Given his young age and subsequent service, it is highly unlikely Taylor was anything but an Officer’s servant (prospective officer) but was borne on the ships books with these ratings.

On 6 May 1796 he was appointed Midshipman of the Third Rate ship of the line, Juste (80), Captains Hon. Thomas Pakenham and William Hancock Kelly, the latter of whom, after having served in the Channel, he followed, in May and June 1797, into the Third Rate ships of the line, Veteran (64) and Gibraltar (80). In this latter ship, which was stationed off Cadiz and in the Mediterranean, he took part in the expedition to Ferrol in August 1800. Here the British attempted to capture the Spanish naval base and shipyard but both naval and land forces failed in the attempt. Taking part in the Egypt expedition, March 1801, Gibraltar was noted as cruising off Alexandria in late June that year (clasp).

Taylor was nominated Acting-Lieutenant on 29 August 1801 and commanded Gibraltar’s launch during ‘the attack of the enemy’s works at Elba’. This would have been the costly amphibious attack on the harbour and French batteries at Porto Ferrajo. Here Gibraltar formed part of Admiral Warren’s squadron that landed 700 sailors and marines, along with 1000 Tuscan troops on 14 September 1801…………

Only 45 Jubaland clasps issued to H.M.S. Terpsichore.

Condition NVF, overall contact wear. Original ribbon, attached to suspension for two medals, the other presumably the QSA. An unusual award to a Diver.

Confirmed on the rolls as Midshipman of H.M.S. Gibraltar at Egypt; and as Master’s Mate and Lieutenant of H.M.S. Donegal at St. Domingo and Basque Roads. Taylor is shown in the Navy List for 1850 as being in receipt of a medal with three clasps. A unique named/ranked Medal.

Condition GVF, original ribbon with brooch clasp, contained in a fine quality contemporary fitted case. Clasps show signs of having been resoldered, possibly some time sprung or more likely when clasps were added after later applications. Sold with copies of his service record, medal rolls and other digital research.