1 Crown - Elizabeth II Admiral Somerville
1994 year| Copper-nickel | 28.28 g | 38.6 mm |
| Issuer | Gibraltar (British Overseas Territories) |
|---|---|
| Queen | Elizabeth II (1952-2022) |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Year | 1994 |
| Value | 1 Crown (0.25) |
| Currency | Crown Coinage (1967-date) |
| Composition | Copper-nickel |
| Weight | 28.28 g |
| Diameter | 38.6 mm |
| Thickness | 3 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#79899 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 90% |
Reverse
Portrait of Admiral Somerville with ship and Gibraltar in background
Script: Latin
Lettering:
WORLD WAR II
ADMIRAL SOMERVILLE
1
CROWN
Edge
Reeded
Comment
A veteran of the Dardanelles, Sir James Somerville was a fine surface commander despite having been invalided out in 1939. He volunteered at Dunkirk and returned on the last ship to leave Calais. Recalled to active service as Commander of Force 'H' based on Gibraltar, his first duty was described by Churchill as "one of the most disagreeable and difficult tasks a British Admiral has ever been faced with the bombardment of the French squadron at Mers-el-Kabir on 3rd July 1940, when Admiral Gensoul failed to guarantee immobilisation. Under Sir James, Force 'H' valiantly protected convoys to Malta, covered Operation Tiger taking thanks to Wavell in North Africa and disabled the Bismark with the Ark Royal's torpedo bombers. When Japan entered the war he was given command of the Eastern Fleet, making successful air raids on Sumatra and Java and attacking Diego Suarez on Madagascar. He was made Admiral of the Fleet in 1945.
Interesting fact
The 1994 Gibraltar 1 Crown coin featuring Admiral Somerville is unique in that it was issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of D-Day, a significant event in World War II.
