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Auction: 15003 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 118

(x) Naval General Service 1793-1840, one clasp, 1 June 1794 (E. Ratsay, Midshipman.), edge bruising, nearly extremely fine

Edward Ratsey [sic] served as Midshipman in H.M.S Defence during the major fleet action that became known as 'The Glorious First of June'. A total of seven Large Naval Gold Medals and 15 Small Naval Gold Medals were awarded for this action.

Rear-Admiral of the Red Edward Ratsey came from a naval family, as both his brother Nathaniel and his first cousin Thomas retired with the rank of Commander; Edward was educated at the Royal Naval College prior to service as a Volunteer in H.M.S. Shark, from July 1793; served as Midshipman in H.M.S. Defence for Lord Howe's action, 1.6.1794; appointed Lieutenant for service in H.M.S. Eurydice on the Channel station, April 1795; subsequent service included in H.M. Ships Ambuscade, Renown and Revolutionnaire; he served in H.M.S. Neptune (flag-ship of Admiral Gambier) and H.M.S. Isis (flag-ship of Admiral Thornbrough) prior to being appointed to H.M.S. Culloden 'bearing the flag of Sir Edward Pellew, with whom he sailed for the East Indies. On his arrival he was nominated, 14th March, 1805, Acting Captain of the Howe 38, and next, 25th April in the same year, Acting Commander of the Harrier 18. In the latter vessel, on 2nd August, following, Capt. Ratsey (who was not confirmed to her until 4th February 1806) fought, in company with the Phaeton 38, a severe action of two hours and a half with the French 36-gun frigate Semillante and several batteries at the entrance of the Straits of St. Bernardino, Philippine Islands. The Harrier on the occasion was much cut up in her masts, sails, and rigging, and sustained a loss of 2 men wounded. Before leaving her Capt. Ratsey had the good fortune to prevent some British supercargoes from being captured by the Ladrones on their passage from Macao to Canton. On 5th September 1806 he was made Post into the Sir Edward Hughes 38' (O'Byrne refers); he attained Flag-rank, 23.11.1841.

Provenance:
Glendining, November 1984

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Sold for
£3,800