Medal commemorating Vernon's attack on Cartagena, 1741

Medal commemorating Vernon's attack on Cartagena, 1741. Obverse: Full-length figure of Admiral Edward Vernon (1684-1757) facing right, sword in right hand; he receives with his left the sword tendered by 'DON BLASS', who faces Vernon on both knees. Line enclosing legend. Legend: 'THE . SPANISH . PRIDE . PULLD . DOWN . BY . ADMIRAL . VERNON .' Exergue: Ornament of shell with two leaves on each side. Reverse: Two ships sailing to right, towards a fort in right foreground; two forts in centre, connected by chain boom, behind which is a ship. In distance, city in straight line; flagstaff of tower in city points at letter O, spire K. Coastline, left and right, at U and H. Legend: 'TRUE BRITISH HEROES TOOK CARTHAGENA'. Exergue: 'APRIL 1741'. Vernon bombarded Cartagena in 1740 and a disastrous attempt was made to capture the city in April 1741. On this occasion the Spanish commander Blas de Lezo y Olavarrieta, successfully defended Cartagena against the British.

Object Details

ID: MEC1041
Collection: Coins and medals
Type: Medal
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Events: War of Jenkins' Ear: Attack on Cartagena, 1741
Date made: After 1739
People: Vernon, Edward; Vernon, Edward Olavarrieta, Blas de Lezo y
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 36 mm