Gilt Bronze Medallion for Admiral Sir Sidney Smith 20th May 1799. The obverse with uniformed bust of Admiral Sir Sidney Smith facing left. The reverse "ACRE DEFENDED, BUONAPARTE REPULSED, SYRIA SAVED, 20 MAY 1799".
Sir Admiral William Sidney Smith (1764 - 1840). He served in the American and French revolutionary wars. Napoleon Bonaparte said of him " That man made me miss my destiny". Following Nelson's victory at The Battle of The Nile, Smith was sent to the Mediterranean as Captain of HMS Tigre, a captured French ship. Napoleon, having defeated Ottoman forces in Egypt marched into the Ottoman province of Syria. Smith sailed to Acre and helped the Turkish commander reinforce defences. The French siege of Acre begain in March 1799. Smith anchored HMS Tigre and Theseus so their broadsides could assist the defence. Repeated French assaults were repelled and Napoleon withdrew. He abandoned Egypt and sailed back to France.
This was one of a set of six medallion issued to celebrate naval victories.
Approximate diameter is 24 mm.
In excellent condition with very light surface wear.