Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Naval General Service 1793-1840, 3 clasps, Lissa, Pelagosa 29 Novr. 1811, Syria (William Tuckey) scratch in reverse field, otherwise nearly extremely fine £4000-5000

William Tuckey was born at Canterbury, Kent, in 1792, and joined the Navy as a Landsman aboard the Active on 3 September 1809. He remained in this ship until June 1812, during which time he participated in the action with the French and Italian squadrons off the island of Lissa on 13 March 1811, and also in the action with French frigates off Pelagosa on 29 November 1811. Tuckey next transferred to the Tenedos, a 38-gun frigate, taking part in the blockade of the American ports, cruising off Marblehead and Sandy Hook. In Tenedos, he took part in the chase and eventual capture of the U.S. frigate President off Sandy Hook on 15 January 1815. Though she was largely engaged with, and surrendered to, the Endymion, after a bloody fight, boats were sent from both Pomone and Tenedos to take possession of the American ship. The war against America ended in May 1815 and Tuckey was paid off on 29 August following.

Tuckey rejoined the Navy on 25 August 1826, as an Able Seaman in the Ramillies, in which ship he received promotion to Armourer’s Mate in May 1829. He served subsequently in the Talavera, Isis, Comet, Jupiter, and Princess Charlotte, before joining the Bellerophon in September 1837. He was promoted to Blacksmith in April 1839, and remained in the Bellerophon until June 1841, taking part in the operations off the coast of Syria, culminating in the bombardment and capture of the town of St Jean D’Acre on 3 November 1840. In August 1841, Tuckey joined the 16-gun brig-sloop Siren, and served in her as Blacksmith until April 1844 when he finally left the Navy. He was in receipt of a Pension of £28/12/- per annum for life, for the loss of his right eye in October 1842. He died on 16 October 1851 at ‘Bread and Cheese Houses, Chatham’. Sold with copy service record and detailed research.