Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Naval General Service 1793-1840, 1 clasp, Algiers (William Daniels.) edges bruising and light polishing to high relief, generally very fine £700-£900

William Daniels (a unique name on the Admiralty Claimants’ List) was born in Somerset around 1795, and joined the Royal Navy at Portsmouth on 6 July 1816. Posted as Landsman aboard the 50-gun frigate Leander, he served during the Second Barbary War as part of the British Fleet under Admiral Edward Pellow. Sent to the Mediterranean, Leander took part in the bombardment of Algiers on 27 August 1816, firing 3,680 round shot and sustaining casualties of 17 men killed and 118 wounded.

An account of the bombardment was carefully maintained in the ship’s log book, part of which is published here: ‘At 2-47, Leander anchored in her station, close a-head of the Queen Charlotte, in five fathoms water, when the enemy opened a most tremendous fire, which was instantly returned by the broadsides of the Queen Charlotte and Leander, the fleet anchoring in the stations assigned them, and opening a vigorous fire. Observed that our fire had totally destroyed the enemy’s gun boats and row-galleys, and defeated their of boarding. The battle now raged with great fury, officers and men failing very fast... At 3-55, a vigorous firing was recommenced on both sides. Our flat boats throwing rockets with good effect, some magazines were seen to explode. At 4-10, the enemy’s frigate burning with great rapidity, and drifting near us, the commander-in-chief sent an officer to direct us to haul out clear of her... At 6-30, observed the city on fire in several places, and the Mole-head and other batteries near us almost demolished; the enemy re-mounting guns, we continue a smart cannonade.’

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