Naval Medals from the Collection of the Late Jason Pilalas

The Naval General Service medal awarded to Edward Morgan for his services as an Able Seaman on board the Ajax at the battle of Trafalgar

Naval General Service 1793-1840, one bar, Trafalgar (Edward Morgan.) some light scratches in obverse field, otherwise toned, nearly extremely fine £5,000-£7,000

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

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Collection

Bonhams, September 2010.

39 clasps for Trafalgar issued to H.M.S. Ajax.

In 1805 Ajax was under the command of Captain William Brown, and under him fought in Sir Robert Calder's action of the 22nd July, when she suffered rather severely, losing eighteen in killed and wounded, and having her main-yard and driver boom shot away.
She joined Lord Nelson's fleet at Plymouth on the 18th October, and in the absence of Captain William Brown, who had gone home as a witness in Sir Robert Calder's trial, was temporarily commanded by the 1st Lieutenant, John Pilfold. Under him she fought in the weather column at Trafalgar, and was a good deal engaged with Dumanoir's division, losing eleven killed and wounded.

Edward Morgan was born at Holywell, North Wales, and served as an Able Seaman on board the Ajax, which frigate he joined on 1 March 1805, aged 25. The candidates for admission register of Greenwich hospital, dated 16 July 1835, records Edward Morgan aged 63 years who served in the Royal Navy 17 years and 8 months, and was granted a pension in January 1815 of £15 and 4 shillings a year.