Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

United States of America, Somers Medal 1846, by C. C. Wright, 57mm, silver, the obverse featuring the capsized Somers, ‘Somers Navis Americana’ above, ‘Ante Vera Cruz, Dec. 10th. 1846’ below, the reverse showing rescue boats from the three foreign powers going to the aid of the stricken vessel, ‘Pro Vitis Americanorum Conservatis’ above (John Cockrell, Gunner’s Mate.) edge nicks and minor edge bruise, nearly extremely fine, scarce £500-£700

Soon after hostilities began in the United States-Mexican War of 1846-48, the United States Navy began a blockade of the Mexican Ports in the Gulf of Mexico. One of the smaller ships in Commodore David Conners’ naval squadron assigned to this task was the 10-gun brig Somers. The Somers was ably commanded by Lieutenant-Commander Raphael Semmes who later came to fame as the celebrated captain of the Confederate cruisers Sumter and Alabama.

On 10 December 1846 disaster struck the Somers when on blockade duty off the Mexican port of Vera Cruz. Whilst under full sail chasing a blockade runner, she capsized in a sudden squall. Boats from American, British, French, and Spanish warships in the vicinity were immediately despatched to the rescue. This prompt action saved many lives; however, nearly half the crew went down with the ship.

The vessels involved in the rescue were the British frigate Endymion, the corvette Alarm, and the brig Daring; the French frigates Mercure and Pylade; the Spanish corvette Loisa Fernandez, and the United States sloop John Adams.

By the resolution of Congress, 3 March 1847, a medal was prepared for award to the officers and men, in gold and silver, of the foreign warships in the harbour of Vera Cruz, ‘who so gallantly and at imminent peril of their lives, aided in rescuing many of the officers and crew of the U.S. brig Somers ...’

A total of 39 Medals were awarded to the Officers and Crew of the Royal Navy Ships H.M.S. Endymion, Alarm, and Daring that took part in the rescue effort (London Gazette 2 December 1851).