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Auction: 26001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 98

(x) Pair: Lieutenant-Commander T. C. Meheux, Royal Navy

Naval General Service 1793-1840, 1 clasp, Syria (T. C. Meheux, Lieut R.N.); St. Jean D'Acre 1840, silver issue, fitted with elaborate fastener and straight bar suspension, both additionally fitted with mounting pins for wear, very fine (2)

Thomas Charles Meheux was born at Cowes, Isle of Wight, Hampshire in 1801, the son of Archibald Bryan Meheux and Mary Ann Joyce. He passed his examination into the Royal Navy in 1826 and obtained his commission as a Lieutenant in April 1836. On 7 December 1832, he married Wilmot Mary Filmer, and together they had three daughters.

In 1840, Meheux served as a Lieutenant on Carysfort, a sixth-rate frigate commanded by Captain H. B. Martin, during operations on the coast of Syria. The ship played a pivotal role in the British-led intervention against Egyptian forces during the Oriental Crisis. On September 11, Carysfort spearheaded the campaign's first major action at Djebel (Gebail), landing 220 Marines and 150 mountaineers to seize the fortress. Throughout September, the ship continued operations along the coast, including the capture of Batroun and a boat attack on the castle at Tortosa alongside Zebra. These actions culminated on November 3 with the decisive bombardment and capture of Acre, where Carysfort joined the southern squadron to force the Egyptian garrison's retreat. After the cessation of hostilities in December, the crew received parliamentary grants and the Turkish St. Jean d'Acre Medal.

By 1851, the family was living at Fareham Place, Charles the Martyr, Sutton on Plym, Plymouth, Devon, with his wife, daughters, and a servant. In April 1855, their middle daughter, Wilmot Mary Meheux, died at the age of 16. Thomas Meheux passed away three years later at Whitegate, Cork, Ireland, on 21 July 1858. His wife, Wilmot, died at the age of 85 on 10 December 1891.

His brother Lieutenant Archibald Bryan Meheux (1797-1877) entered the Navy on 26 Oct 1811, passed his examination in 1818, and was made Lieutenant 28 Feb 1825 and served on the Jamaica station. It is believed he reached the rank of commander.

His son, Thomas George Shelton Meheux (1831-1904), reached the rank of Colonel with the Royal Marine Light Infantry. He was awarded a Baltic Medal as a 1st Lieutenant on board Neptune.

His son 233279 Leading Seaman George Thomas Shelton Meheux (1861-1914) served during the First World War in the Royal Navy and was issued with a trio. He was killed as a direct result of enemy action on 15 October 1914 onboard Hawke, and his name is on the Chatham Naval Memorial. His next of kin was his mother Alice Amelia Robinson.

Another son, Archibald Thomas Meheux (1852-1936) served as a First Mate with the Merchant Navy.
A Royal Marine Captain, acting as field officer Richard Williams Meheux (1809-1868), was awarded a Crimean Medal while serving on board Trafalgar.

Sold together with minor photocopied research.

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

Estimate
£800 to £1,200

Starting price
£600