Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 5

(x) Military General Service 1793-1814, 2 clasps, Vittoria, St. Sebastian (J. Denham, Gunner, R.H.Arty), slight edge bruise, very fine

Provenance:
Lusted, March 1973

John Denham was born at Worksop, Nottinghamshire in 1792, enlisting there with the 5th Battalion, Royal Artillery on 14 January 1809. Joining Lieutenant-Colonel James Webber-Smith's 'F' Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, he was posted to the Peninsular in 1813 where he saw action first at the Battle of Vitoria on 21 June. The Horse Artillery saw particularly heavy action here - and indeed Denham was wounded during the fighting, a resounding victory for Wellington's Anglo-Spanish-Portuguese army.

Surviving his wound, Denham was back in action during the Siege of St. Sebastian which began the month following Vitoria. After several failed attempts to storm a breach in the city's walls, Sir Thomas Graham ordered the artillery to fire over the heads of the attacking infantry - a remarkably modern practice of 'creeping barrage' that was rarely performed during the Peninsular War. During the storm of shot and shell, the bombardment detonated the French magazine and this resulted in great confusion and many casualties amongst the defenders. As a result they were forced from the outer walls and withdrew into the castle, where they later surrendered following a two-hour artillery bombardment.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£1,000

Starting price
£800