Naval Medals from the Collection of the Late Jason Pilalas

The Naval General Service medal awarded to Admiral Richard Matson, Royal Navy, a Lieutenant in the Bedford at the defeat of the French fleet off Genoa by Admiral Hotham

Naval General Service 1793-1840, one clasp, 14 March 1795 (Richard Matson, Lieut. R.N.) nearly extremely fine £6,000-£8,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Naval Medals from the Collection of the Late Jason Pilalas.

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Spink, July 2005.

95 clasps issued for the defeat of the French fleet off Genoa on 14 March 1795.

Richard Matson entered the Royal Navy on 20 March 1783, as First Class Volunteer on board H.M.S. Irresistible bearing the broad pendant at Chatham of Sir Andrew Snape Hamond. Between 1786 and 1793 he was employed in the capacities of Midshipman and Master’s Mate in H.M. Ships Solebay, Jupiter and Hermione, on the West India and Home stations. He joined H.M.S. Britannia, bearing the flag of Vice-Admiral William Hotham in the Mediterranean where he served on shore in the occupation of Toulon, was publicly thanked by Sir William Sydney Smith for his conduct at the destruction of the arsenal and fleet in the harbour, and was also present at the sieges of St. Fiorenza and Bastia. Promoted to Lieutenant 1794 in H.M.S. Bedford, he took part in Hotham’s partial actions of 14 March and 13 July 1795. He subsequently served in the West Indies and, in September 1797, was promoted to the command of the Beaver sloop, the Cyane 18, and was posted Captain, 22 March 1799, into the Daphne 20, in which vessel he was present at the surrender of Surinam, 20 August 1799. He returned to the Home station in April 1802, and was subsequently appointed to the San Ysidoro and Braave 40, both lying at Plymouth. In June 1808 he was appointed to the Sea Fencible service between North Shields and St Abb’s Head. Placed on half-pay in February 1810, he became Rear-Admiral in May 1825; a Vice-Admiral in January 1837; and a full Admiral on 26 June 1847. Admiral Matson died of apoplexy in London on 9 March 1848.

Sold with a small wood and brass course plotting instrument.