Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Naval General Service 1793-1840, 4 clasps, 12 Octr. 1798, St. Domingo, Java, Algiers (John Boon.) good very fine £4,000-£5,000

Eaton Collection 1880; Lord Cheylesmore sale, Glendining’s, July 1930; Sotheny, June 1971.

Approximately 75 clasps issued for this action by Sir John Borlase Warren’s squadron off the north-west coast of Ireland which resulted in the capture of the French 74-gun ship-of-the-line Hoche, and three 36-gun frigates, Bellone, Coquille and Ambuscade, all loaded with troops and stores for the intended invasion of Ireland. Approximately 104 medals issued with 4 clasps, this combination being unique.

John Boon was born at Modbury, near Plymouth, Devon, and is confirmed on the rolls for all four clasps. He entered H.M.S. Canada as a Landman on 16 August 1795, aged 21, and was present in her during the action on 12 October 1798. He entered H.M.S. Acasta as an Able Seaman on 1 May 1805, aged 30, and was present in her at St Domingo on 6 February 1806. He entered H.M.S. Scipion as an Able Seaman on 1 March 1811, aged 36, and was present in her in August and September 1811, during the reduction and capture of Java. He entered H.M.S. Granicus as an Able Seaman on 18 July 1815, aged 41, and was present in her during the action at Algiers on 27 August 1816. One other man with this name is shown on the roll as a Private Royal Marines aboard the Conqueror at the battle of Trafalgar.

Sold with various copied muster list and medal roll entries.