Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The unusual double-issue M.G.S. pair awarded to Lieutenant Samuel Nicholls, 9th Foot, who was wounded at the battle of Roleia and was one of only three officers to receive this single clasp

Military General Service 1793-1814, 1 clasp, Roleia (Samuel Nicholls, Lieut. 9th Foot.); together with another similar medal (S. Nicholls, Lieut. 9th Foot) both officially impressed original issues, the first good very fine, the second with small edge bruise, toned, extremely fine and a very rare double-issue (2) £3,000-£4,000

Provenance: ‘Samuel Nicholls’, Glendining’s, July 1959; Dix Noonan Webb, May 1992. ‘S. Nicholls’, Broadley Collection, Sotheby, July 1982.

Only 10 single clasp medals issued for Roleia, of which only three were to officers.

Samuel Nicholls was appointed Ensign in the 9th Foot in February and, on 9 June 1808, embarked at Cork under the command of Lieutenant-General John Stuart, for Portugal to fight the French. The regiment arrived off the coast of Portugal at the end of July and early August. On 3rd August the Colonel of the 9th Foot recommended Nicholls, and three other Ensigns, for promotion to Lieutenant, ‘there being four Lieutenancies wanting to complete the Establishment.’ His wish was granted and Nichols was promoted to Lieutenant on 11 August 1808. The British troops under Lieutenant-General Sir Arthur Wellesley advanced on Lisbon and on 17 August moved to attack the French forces under General Laborde at Roleia.

Lieutenant Nicholls was part of the centre column which ascended the rocky heights where the enemy was formed. The 9th and 29th Foot reached the crest first and fought fiercely against superior numbers until aided by the 5th Foot and the remainder of the British force. At 4 p.m. General Laborde’s forces left the field leaving behind three cannon.

The distinguished conduct of the 9th Foot was recognised by Sir Arthur Wellesley, and for their ‘gallant bearing’ the battle honour ‘Roleia’ was granted to be displayed on their colours. The battle was not without cost, however, the 9th commanding officer Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart and four men were killed, twelve men were missing and forty-nine rank and file were wounded. Ensign/Lieutenant Nicholls and two other officers were also wounded (Vide London Gazette).

Despite being debilitated by his wound, Nicholls continued to serve with the 9th Foot until 1812. He transferred to the 60th Foot for a short time and left the Army due to his injury in 1813.