A Campaign Medal for England's Finest

Naval gold medals were originally struck by the British government as a reward of merit for admirals and captains of ships engaged in successful actions (usually fleet actions) against the enemy. These were first awarded for the "Glorious First of June" and were given thereafter until 1815. What may be the earliest example of a campaign medal was awarded to everyone present at the Battle of the Nile, including ordinary seamen, petty officers, and warrant officers.

Alexander Davison, Nelson's friend and business associate produced these medals. Davison was a prize agent - the agent who negotiated with the British government for the sale of ships and contents captured in war. For the Battle of the Nile, the British captains voted to make Davison the sole prize agent for the prizes taken. This made Davison very happy (and very rich, since he took a cut of the action).

Officers received the Davison medal in gold or silver, ordinary seamen in bronze, and petty officers in gilt bronze (as shown; from the collection of Virginia Medlen).

More Battle of the Nile 1798

Battle of the Nile 1798: Introduction
Battle of the Nile 1798: French and British Navies
Battle of the Nile 1798: French Luck and British Pursuit
Battle of the Nile 1798: French Success and British Frustration
Battle of the Nile 1798: Battle of Aboukir Bay
Battle of the Nile 1798: British Campaign Medal
Battle of the Nile 1798: French and British Order of Battle
Battle of the Nile 1798: Large Voyage and Pursuit Maps (very slow: 386K)
Battle of the Nile 1798: Large Battle Maps (very slow: 336K)
Battle of the Nile 1798: Jumbo Battle Maps (extremely slow: 562K)