25th Feb, 2026 11:00
A Naval General Service Medal 1793-1840, with Trafalgar clasp and original ribbon, named to Charles Desbrow (born c.1787), Victoria 1848. The accompanying hand-written note, from the family, believed to date from the early 20th century, reads: '.. Charles Desbrow, to whom the medal was awarded, was only 17 years of age when taken by the Press Gang, and was therefore 60 years of age when he was given the medal. He served as a Marine on the ship Defiance [launched 1783], being wounded in the leg at Trafalgar. He later became a pensioner in the Chelsea Hospital, but the date of his death is not known'.
'Defiance herself emerged severely damaged from the close combat, her rigging shredded and hull pierced in multiple places. Casualties were among the highest in the fleet, totaling 57 killed and 153 wounded, including Captain Durham (slightly injured) and numerous officers such as Lieutenant Simons and Midshipman James Williamson (both killed). This toll reflected the ferocity of the boarding actions and sustained enemy fire, underscoring Defiance's pivotal role in securing the British triumph'. [Quoted from https://grokipedia.com/page/hms_defiance_1783].
Also present here is WWI medal group, named to 6779 SJT. G Burrows Lancashire Fusiliers, comprising 1914 Mons Star with clasp, Campaign Medal and Victory Medal. George Burrows was a descendant of Charles Desbrow. There is also a familial link to William Marriner (1882-1916), who was awarded the Victoria Cross, his citation published in the London Gazette in June 1915.
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Retained in the family by descent. The reverse of the above note provides the path:
From Charles Desbrow to Lydia Desbrow (Daughter, c1820 - 1910) - Married William Burrows of Tewkesbury
George Burrows (Son, 1853-1906) - Married Diana Ballinger of Tewkesbury
George Burrows (Son, b.1878) - Married Agnes A Lewis of Salford (b.1878)
Mary Burrows (Daughter, 1909-1985) - Married Thomas Whillans of Salford.
The note and medals were passed on to Donald Desbrow Whillans (1933-1985), a descendant of Charles Desbrow. He was the well-known rock climber and mountaineer, who climbed with Joe Brown and Chris Bonington, and took part in the Everest expeditions in the early 1970s.
HMS Defiance: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Defiance_(1783)
Don Whillans: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Whillans
Sold for £8,000
A Naval General Service Medal 1793-1840, with Trafalgar clasp and original ribbon, named to Charles Desbrow (born c.1787), Victoria 1848. The accompanying hand-written note, from the family, believed to date from the early 20th century, reads: '.. Charles Desbrow, to whom the medal was awarded, was only 17 years of age when taken by the Press Gang, and was therefore 60 years of age when he was given the medal. He served as a Marine on the ship Defiance [launched 1783], being wounded in the leg at Trafalgar. He later became a pensioner in the Chelsea Hospital, but the date of his death is not known'.
'Defiance herself emerged severely damaged from the close combat, her rigging shredded and hull pierced in multiple places. Casualties were among the highest in the fleet, totaling 57 killed and 153 wounded, including Captain Durham (slightly injured) and numerous officers such as Lieutenant Simons and Midshipman James Williamson (both killed). This toll reflected the ferocity of the boarding actions and sustained enemy fire, underscoring Defiance's pivotal role in securing the British triumph'. [Quoted from https://grokipedia.com/page/hms_defiance_1783].
Also present here is WWI medal group, named to 6779 SJT. G Burrows Lancashire Fusiliers, comprising 1914 Mons Star with clasp, Campaign Medal and Victory Medal. George Burrows was a descendant of Charles Desbrow. There is also a familial link to William Marriner (1882-1916), who was awarded the Victoria Cross, his citation published in the London Gazette in June 1915.
Thinking of Selling Medals?
Our friendly experts offer free valuations and clear advice, guiding you through a seamless selling process. With a no sale, no fee policy, no entry charges, and no hidden costs, it’s simple and risk-free to sell medals with Dawsons.
Provenance
Retained in the family by descent. The reverse of the above note provides the path:
From Charles Desbrow to Lydia Desbrow (Daughter, c1820 - 1910) - Married William Burrows of Tewkesbury
George Burrows (Son, 1853-1906) - Married Diana Ballinger of Tewkesbury
George Burrows (Son, b.1878) - Married Agnes A Lewis of Salford (b.1878)
Mary Burrows (Daughter, 1909-1985) - Married Thomas Whillans of Salford.
The note and medals were passed on to Donald Desbrow Whillans (1933-1985), a descendant of Charles Desbrow. He was the well-known rock climber and mountaineer, who climbed with Joe Brown and Chris Bonington, and took part in the Everest expeditions in the early 1970s.
