Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Battle of German Town 1777, copper medal by John Milton, 44.5mm, obv. battle scene depicting American forces attacking the British held position at Chews Farm near Philadelphia, rev. within a laurel wreath german/ town/ octr. 4. 1777, pierced for suspension, some edge bruising and contact wear, otherwise about very fine with a good chocolate tone and extremely rare £2000-2500

During the American War of Independence, the Royal Army was, in October 1777, encamped at German Town, a large village a few miles from Philadelphia. The enemy, under the direction of General George Washington, was at Skippach Creek, about six miles from German Town. They had received some reinforcements, and were aware that the Royal Army was weakened by having detachments at Chester and Philadelphia. These circumstances induced the Americans to attempt a surprise night attack, and on the evening of the 3rd October they marched in silence towards German Town. Their approach was discovered at 3 a.m. by the outlying pickets. A battalion of Light Infantry and the 40th Regiment were the first to oppose them, but these being overpowered by numbers, were obliged to fall back upon the village.

In this emergency Lieutenant-Colonel Musgrave, commanding the 40th, threw himself with six companies of the regiment into a strong storehouse in the possession of Mr Chews, which lay in front of the approaching Americans. This measure checked the enemy in their advance, and gave the Royal Army time to recover their position. Musgrave and his brave 40th, attacked on every side, defended the house with determined resolution. Cannon were brought to bear upon it, but the gunners were picked off by an unceasing fire from the windows of the building. At length the house became perforated like a colander, and the iron bar that barricaded the front door having been struck by a round shot, the enemy got access for a moment into the house, only to be speedily driven out by the bayonets of the 40th. Lieutenant-Colonel Musgrave determined to defend his position to the last. But soon the tide of fortune turned. A force detached from the main army came up opportunely to his relief and the enemy were driven from the village with considerable loss.

For this most gallant defence, Lieutenant-Colonel Musgrave ordered a medal to be struck, in silver for the officers and in bronze for the men, all examples being extremely rare.