Nile Medal

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Revision as of 16:14, 12 October 2007

The Nile Medal was a privately-issued commemoration of the British victory at the Battle of the Nile, 1798. The medal was commissioned by Alexander Davison, whom Admiral Nelson had appointed the sole prize agent for the ships captured at the Battle of the Nile. He paid for the medal from his profits; the total cost was £2000.

Specimens in gold were presented to Nelson and his captains, silver to lieutenants and warrant officers, gilt bronze to petty officers and copper to Royal Marines and seamen.[1]

A description of a copper specimen given to Private John Lewes, Royal Marines, aboard HMS Defence, from the National Maritime Museum:

Obverse: On a rock near the sea, Peace is standing holding in her right hand an olive branch and supporting with her left hand a medallion of Nelson, an anchor behind her. Legend: 'REAR-ADMIRAL LORD NELSON OF THE NILE'. Inscription around the portrait: 'EUROPE'S HOPE AND BRITAIN'S GLORY'. Below: 'C.H.K'. (C.H. Kuchler).

Reverse: View of Aboukir Bay at sunset, the British Fleet going into action, the French at anchor. Incuse: 'John Lewes H.M.S. DEFENCE'. Legend: 'ALMIGHTY GOD HAS BLESSED HIS MAJESTY'S ARMS'. Exergue: 'VICTORY OF THE NILE AUGUST 1. 1798'. Above (left) 'M.B. SOHO' (right) 'C.H. KUCHLER. FEC.' Both sides of the medal are glazed, with a suspension loop and white ribbon with blue edges attached.

External link

• Picture and description of Davison's Nile Medal at the National Maritime Museum

In the Canon

Jack Aubrey received a silver Nile Medal, having served as a lieutenant aboard HMS Leander during the battle.[2] In the Canon, he typically wears the medal in a buttonhole of his dress uniform coat.