 Naval General Service. Two bars: SHANNON Wh CHESAPEAKE and NILE. Edge: Griffiths Morris. Extremely Fine. Once cleaned. Replacement ribbon. Griffiths was a Royal Marine private in both engagements (aboard HMS Audacious at the Nile). Only 44 NGS medals were authorized for this action and only one other also with the Nile bar.
After a somewhat frustrating blockade of Boston harbor, on June 1, 1813 British Captain Philip Bowes Vere Broke sent a letter to American Captain James Lawrence (hero of the Hornet v. Peacock fight), challenging him to a single ship action. Lawrence sailed Chesapeake out of Boston harbor west past the old lighthouse and rapidly overtook Broke in Shannon, who had altered her sails to allow the adversary to reach her position with speed. Both ships commenced action at 5:50 that afternoon. Ten minutes later, when both vessels fell aboard, Broke ordered his frigate lashed to Chesapeake and called for his boarders. Lawrence, wearing full uniform, was a ready target and was shot down by a lieutenant of marines; as he died he exclaimed ''Don't give up the ship.'' Twelve minutes after the action had begun, Captain Broke led his boarders onto Chesapeake. Broke described the American resistance as desperate but disorderly. The American marines fought well, losing 14 dead and 20 wounded of the 44 aboard. Some of the sailors fought to the death but others ran, including the third lieutenant. British Captain Broke was cutlas slashed in the affray but lived to be made a baronet. Chesapeake was sailed to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where Captain Lawrence was laid to rest with full honours.
Ex Spink & Son, Ltd. on December 9, 1965.
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