Nelson & His World

Here is a link to a portrait of Sir Pulteney Malcolm, well-known for being one of the officials who had charge of Napoleon on St Helena.

http://www.artfund.org/artwork/3678/enl ... ey-malcolm

I was intrigued to read in the description of the portrait that he is wearing the Trafalgar Medal. I wasn't aware that he had been a Trafalgar captain, and on checking his wiki entry, I find that he attempted to join the fleet but arrived too late for the battle, though he rendered valuable service to the stricken ships in the aftermath. I was surprised that his non-participation nevertheless entitled him to the medal. Any comments?

Anna

Dodgy description!

This will be his small naval gold medal awarded for the Battle of San Domingo, 6th February 1806.

I believe the medal may be in the custody of the Naval Museum at Portsmouth.

MB

Ooh! Well spotted, Mark.

Do you think we ought to inform the Scottish National Portrait Gallery about the error?

Anna,

I'll leave that to you - if you feel so inclined!

MB