I wonder if he was doing this when he got shot...

elverno · May 3, 2004 5:43AM

This is a fun medal (at least as death medals go) with imagery you just don't see every day! Sir Ralph Abercromby was in command of the English Army that was sent to deal with the remnants of Napoleon's Army in Egypt. It was definitely good news; bad news, with the General victorious over the disheartened French who only wanted to go home. Unfortunately for him he was wounded in the battle and expired a few days later.

laurentyvan · May 3, 2004 5:58AM

Death medals are not a concept we use today, is it?

very informative elverno-the history with the displayed image is so much more interesting! Kind of sad though-seems he was quite the gentleman.

From the pages of history, a little more:

He was struck by a spent ball, which could not be extracted, and died seven days after the battle. His old friend and commander the duke of York paid a just tribute to the great soldier's memory in general orders: "His steady observance of discipline, his ever-watchful attention to the health and wants of his troops, the persevering and unconquerable spirit which marked his military career, the splendour of his actions in the field and the heroism of his death, are worthy the imitation of all who desire, like him, a life of heroism and a death of glory."