Sanctioned in 1856, this medal was issued to Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Sappers & Miners for service in the Baltic - the war with Russia extending far beyond the Crimean peninsula. No clasps were authorised and the medal was issued un-named, although those to the RS&M were officially impressed.
The British fleet, under the command of Admiral Napier & Rear Admiral Dundas - and augmented by a French fleet, engaged the Hango Head forts which were subsequently demolished by the Sappers & Miners. The port of Cronstadt was attacked and Russian merchantmen were destroyed in the Gulfs of Riga and Bothnia.
The northern ports of Kola & Petropaulouski were also attacked. Three years later in 1858, another fleet was dispatched to the Baltic and the ports of Sveaborg & Helsingfors (Helsinki) were bombarded - Helsingfors sustaining much damage. This medal is sometimes found in naval groups accompanied by its Crimean counterpart - both being quite common (and affordable).
The British fleet, under the command of Admiral Napier & Rear Admiral Dundas - and augmented by a French fleet, engaged the Hango Head forts which were subsequently demolished by the Sappers & Miners. The port of Cronstadt was attacked and Russian merchantmen were destroyed in the Gulfs of Riga and Bothnia.
The northern ports of Kola & Petropaulouski were also attacked. Three years later in 1858, another fleet was dispatched to the Baltic and the ports of Sveaborg & Helsingfors (Helsinki) were bombarded - Helsingfors sustaining much damage. This medal is sometimes found in naval groups accompanied by its Crimean counterpart - both being quite common (and affordable).
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