The "Soleil Royal," so called because it was decorated with the emblem and motto of Louis XIV., bore Admiral Tourville's flag at the battle of La Hogue; it was so much damaged in the engagement that it was run on shore at Cherbourg and afterwards burnt to the water by Admiral Delaval. It was the finest war-ship in Europe. The reverse legend is a retort upon Louis's motto NEC PLVRIBVS IMPAR.
383. Another. Obv. Bust of King r., in armour and cloak. GVILIELMVS III. D. G. MAG. BRITT. FR. &c. B. K. (monogram) F. Rev. Naval action; in foreground, French cock flying before lion and unicorn. IMPERIVM PELAGI NOBIS; in ex., INCENSA GALL. CLASSE ANG. ET BAT. VICTORES. MDCXCII. Silver. Size 2·1. By J. Boskam.
This medal is a retort upon Louis XIV., who in July 1690, after the battle off Beachy Head, claimed the empire of the sea. (See No. [355].)
384. Another. Obv. Bust of King r., in armour and cloak. GULIELMUS III. D. G. M. BRIT. FRANC. &c. Rev. Neptune l. in car, striking with his trident one who has assumed his appearance and equipage. SIMILI PŒNA COMMISSA LUUNTUR. (cf. Virg. Aen. i. 140); in ex., MIHI SORTE DATUM. (Virg. Aen. i. 143.) Silver. Size 2·85. By J. Luder.
William is here represented as Neptune, punishing Louis, who had claimed the empire of the sea.
385. Taking of Namur by the French, 1692. Obv. Bust of Louis XIV. r., laur., in armour and cloak. LVDOVICVS MAGN. GALL. REX PIVS AVG. S. Rev. Louis XIV. on horseback r., accompanied by his staff, receiving the surrender of the garrison of Namur; city and army of the Allies in the distance. AMAT VICTORIA TESTES; in ex., NAMVRCVM EXPVGNAT. SPECTANTE AVRIACO ET BAVARO CVM CENT. ARMATOR. MILLIB. XXX. IVN. MDCXCII. Silver. Size 2·35. French.
Namur surrendered to Louis XIV. 30 June, 1692, in the sight of William and the Duke of Bavaria, who arrived at the head of an army of 100,000 men too late to relieve the city. This medal is one of the historical series of Louis XIV. (See No. [401].)
386. Battle of Steinkirk, 1692. Obv. Bust of Louis XIV. r., laur., in armour and cloak. LVDOVICVS MAGNVS REX CHRISTIANISS. R. Rev. French soldier striking prostrate foe, whom he holds by cravat amid standards, &c. on field of battle. VIRTVS PEDITVM FRANCORVM; in cx., PVGNA AD STENKERCAM. MDCLXXXXII. MOLART F. Copper. Size 2·85. By Joseph Roettier and Molart.
On 3 August, 1692, by means of false information, William hoped to surprise the French under Luxembourg and to drive them from their position at Steinkirk. The project miscarried chiefly through the misconduct of Count Solmes, who failed to support the English guards, and the Allies were compelled to retreat with the loss of 7000 men.
387. Execution of Grandval, 1692. Obv. Bust of King r., laur., in armour and cloak. INVICTISSIMVS GVILLELMVS MAG. B. K. (monogram) F. Rev. Monument, on which executioner gives the coup de grâce to malefactor; on either side, poles and gallows with quarters and head of offender: monument inscribed, BARTHELEMI DE GRAND VAL. AVRO LVDOVICÆO PERCVSSOR EMTVS GVILELM. III. M. BRIT. REGVM (sic) FRVSTRA PERFODER. CONATUS, &c.; in ex., XIII. AVG. MDCXCII. Silver. Size 2·35. By J. Boskam.