A medal awarded to a Royal Marine who fought in the famous Battle of Trafalgar, could sell for £16,000 at a Nantwich auction.
The Naval General Service Medal 1793 -1840, awarded to Thomas Durnell, goes under the hammer at Peter Wilson on Market Street.
The medal (left side of picture) has clasps for Java and Basque Roads as well as Trafalgar, indicating Durnell served in three of the most notable naval campaigns in the Napoleonic Wars.
During the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805, Private Durnell was on board “The Temeraire”, the second ship in Horatio Nelson’s column behind his flagship HMS Victory.
The Temeraire was the first ship to break through the Franco-Spanish lines during the battle and was subjected to heavy fighting with six ships.
Durnell and his comrades fought French ships to a standstill but at considerable cost, as 47 were killed and 76 wounded. The French losses were 300 killed, 222 wounded.
Other medals are due to be sold at the auction on February 20-21.
These include a Distinguished Flying Medal group of five awarded to Sgt John Ashton, who fought in the Second World War, estimated to be sold for £1,500-£2,000.
And dating from the First World War, a group of medals (right of picture) and related items belonging to local man Sgt J.S. Hassall RAF.
This collection comprises the British War Medal 1914-20 and Victory Medal, an Observers’ wing patch, a sterling silver sweetheart broach, portraits of Hassall and his wife dated 1918, stamped by studio photographer Hart of Nantwich, each contained in frames made from propeller wings, and a framed photo of Hassall with his squadron sitting in front of a De Havilland DH4.
Viewing is on Sunday February 17 (2-4pm), Monday February 18 (10am-5pm), Tuesday February 19 (10am-4pm) and on morning of the auction each day from 9am to 11am.
For details contact Chris Large on 01270 623878.
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