Naval Gold Medal
| Naval Gold Medal | |
|---|---|
Obverse, with suspension of the small medal | |
| Type | Campaign medal |
| Awarded for | Command in battle |
| Presented by | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland |
| Eligibility | Admirals and captains, Royal Navy |
| Campaign(s) | French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars 1793–1814 Anglo-American War of 1812 |
| Clasps | None |
| Established | 1794 |
| Total | 22 large and 117 small medals |
Ribbon | |
The Naval Gold Medal was awarded between 1793 and 1815 to senior officers of the Royal Navy for specified actions.
Two different sizes were struck. 22 large medals were awarded to flag officers (admirals), commodores and captains of the fleet. 117 smaller medals were awarded to captains. As a separate medal was awarded for each action, it was possible for a recipient to receive and wear more than one.
Awards of the gold medal were discontinued after 1815, as would-be recipients became eligible for the Order of the Bath on its enlargement to three classes.