The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Persia (Capt. J. H. Worgan, Artillery) very fine

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals.

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Lieutenant General John H. Worgan served under Sir James Outram and was present at the bombardment of Muhammerah, where he successfully commanded a mortar raft. He was mentioned in despatches for “evincing much coolness and great gallantry” for which he gained the Brevet rank of Major.

“On the raft Captain John Worgan, Bombay Artillery, put two eight inch and two five and a half inch mortars, and on the following night he was towed by the steamship COMET (Surveying River Steamer) to a sheltered spot behind an island where he moored ... At daybreak on 26 March, Worgan’s mortars began lobbing shells into Mohamra (A bombardment of 102 shells played on enemy forts for the next five hours). At the same time the Navy sailed up and began pounding from the front. Once more, however, the infantry bayonets were to be deprived of blood for under this unexpected artillery attack the Persian Army withdrew at the double, leaving tents, guns and equipment all in wild confusion. Worgan was recommended for the Victoria Cross but this was not approved.”

Worgan’s promotions during his service career were: 2nd Lieut 11 December 1840, Lieutenant August 1842, Captain August 1852, Brevet Major 19 January 1858, Lieut Colonel 18 February 1861, Colonel April 1866, Major General 1 October 1877, Lieut General 31 December 1878.