Eimer 998, BHM 669.
40mm. Unsigned.
Obverse with fireships approaching the French fleet, reverse with 9 line inscription within wreath. Captain Wooldridge received a gold example of this medal, affixed to a chain.
About Extremely Fine and rare.
On the night before the Battle of Basque Roads, 11 April, 1809, Captain James Wooldridge, of the fireship Mediator, broke through the boom protecting the French ships. The Medaitor exploded and Wooldridge, having remained with his ship, was severely burnt. Several French ships were burnt in the attack and others ran aground. Following the action, Wooldridge was granted a gold medal and a presentation sword.