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Auction: 24003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 9

(x) Naval General Service 1793-1840, 1 clasp, Boat Service 14 Dec 1814 (William Lewin.), good very fine

Confirmed upon the Gale Hawkes Roll (No. 7858).

William Lewin served as an Ordinary Seaman aboard Admiral Cochrane's Flagship Tonnant during the famous action on Lake Borgne on 14 December 1814, in preparation for the attack on New Orleans. She had previously seen heavy action during the Napoleonic Wars and thence played a central role in the operations in North America. The body of Major-General Ross was stored in a barrel of rum aboard Tonnant after the Battle of North Point.

On the morning of 14 December 1814 her boats shared in the action, which proved to be the largest, latest, and perhaps most spectacular to earn a 'Boat Service' clasp. Rowing some 36 miles into the action to clear seven enemy vessels from the Lake, Lewin shared in these famed events. The overall British loses were 17 killed and 67 wounded. Tonnant's contribution included one longboat, commanded by Lieutenant James Barnwell Tattnall, which grappled the largest enemy gunboat. Despite being sunk, the survivors transferred to the other ships' boats, with losses being 3 killed and 15 wounded. 10 Officers and 26 Ratings survived to claim their Medals & clasps.

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

Estimate
£2,500 to £3,000

Starting price
£2000

Sale 24003 Notices
Lewin confirmed upon the Greenwich Hospital Roll (No. 7858).