John Edmund Commerell

A daring raid behind enemy lines, a burning Russian supply depot, and a desperate rescue under fire. On 11 October 1855, Royal Navy Commander John Edmund Commerell risked his life during one of the most remarkable naval operations of the Crimean War. His courage in the Sea of Azov earned him the Victoria Cross and marked the beginning of a distinguished career that would eventually take him to the highest rank in the Royal Navy.

John Edmund Commerell was born on 13 January 1829 in London, England. He entered the Royal Navy in March 1842 as a first-class volunteer and began his naval career during the closing stages of the First Opium War in China. As a young officer, he subsequently served aboard HMS Firebrand in South American waters, where he witnessed the Battle of Vuelta de Obligado on 20 November 1845. Promoted to lieutenant in December 1848, Commerell steadily developed a reputation as a capable and determined naval officer.

During the Crimean War, Commerell served in the Baltic and Black Sea theatres before assuming command of the steam gun vessel HMS Weser. In October 1855, while operating in the Sea of Azov, he led a daring expedition against a Russian military supply depot near the Spit of Arabat. Accompanied by Quartermaster William Thomas Rickard and Able Seaman George Milestone, Commerell crossed the narrow land spit and advanced inland towards the enemy's supply stores. Despite the danger of discovery, the party successfully set fire to a vast quantity of Russian forage and provisions. The resulting blaze alerted nearby Russian troops, and the raiding party came under rifle fire as mounted Cossacks pursued them. During the retreat, Milestone became exhausted and collapsed. Refusing to abandon their shipmate, Commerell and Rickard carried him across exposed ground while under enemy fire, eventually bringing him safely back to their vessel. Their courage ensured the success of the mission and the survival of their fellow sailor. For his conspicuous bravery, Commerell was awarded the Victoria Cross, gazetted on 24 February 1857.

Commerell continued his naval career during the Second Opium War, serving in Chinese waters and participating in operations associated with the Taku Forts. Promoted to captain in July 1859, he subsequently commanded HMS Magicienne and HMS Scorpion. In 1869, he assumed command of the turret ironclad HMS Monarch, which later undertook the important transatlantic mission of transporting the remains of American philanthropist George Peabody from Britain to the United States. His professional reputation continued to grow, and in February 1871 he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Cape of Good Hope and West Coast of Africa Station, with the rank of commodore second class.

In August 1873, during the Third Anglo-Ashanti War, Commerell led a boat reconnaissance on the Prah River in West Africa. The expedition encountered an Ashanti ambush, during which Commerell was severely wounded. Despite his injuries, his service during the campaign further demonstrated his determination and leadership under dangerous conditions. His participation was recognised with the Ashantee Medal. He subsequently attained flag rank and served as Commander-in-Chief of the North America and West Indies Station from 1882 to 1885, before taking up the prestigious appointment of Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth.

His achievements were recognised through numerous British and foreign honours. Commerell was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath in 1887 and received the French Legion of Honour at Grand Officer level, the Ottoman Order of the Medjidie in its First Class, and the Grand Cross of the Prussian Order of the Red Eagle. He was also a Knight of Grace of the Most Venerable Order of St John. His campaign honours included the Baltic Medal, Crimea Medal with the Sebastopol and Azoff clasps, Second China War Medal, Ashantee Medal, Turkish Crimea Medal and Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee Medal of 1887 with its 1897 clasp.

In January 1892, Commerell was appointed Groom in Waiting to Queen Victoria. On 14 February 1892, he reached the pinnacle of the Royal Navy's commissioned ranks when he was promoted to Admiral of the Fleet. Alongside his distinguished naval career, he also entered public life, serving as a Member of Parliament for Southampton. After decades of naval service and national distinction, he retired in January 1899.

Admiral of the Fleet Sir John Edmund Commerell, VC, GCB, died at his London home on 21 May 1901, aged 72. He was buried in Cheriton Road Cemetery, Folkestone, Kent. His legacy endures as that of a Royal Navy officer whose courage in the Crimean War, commitment to his fellow sailors and decades of distinguished leadership carried him from a young naval volunteer to the highest rank in Britain's maritime service.