The medals of Sir George Margrath at Bonhams. (Click on image to enlarge). UPDATE: THESE MADE £14,400.
A group of four medals awarded to Nelson’s personal surgeon, Tyrone born Sir George Magrath, come at Bonhams in Knightsbridge on March 27. George Magrath was born in Co. Tyrone in 1775 and began his naval career as Surgeon’s 3rd Mate to H.M.S. Theseus in 1794. He served close on three years on Theseus and spent time in the West Indies, where he contracted Yellow Fever, which led to the loss of vision in his left eye.
In spite of this handicap, he was promoted to Surgeon and after four months recuperation, he joined H.M.S. Adamant. He was personally selected by Nelson as Flag Medical Officer for H.M.S. Victory in 1803. The following year there was an outbreak of yellow fever in Gibraltar, killing almost 6,000 people. Nelson left Margrath in charge of the Naval Hospital and sailed on to his date with destiny at Trafalgar. The medals including the Order of the Bath are estimated at £9,000-12,000.