The Glorious First of June Medal, Bust of Admiral Earl Howe.The Glorious First of June Medal by W. Mossop, Bust of Admiral Earl Howe. The white metal medal commemorates the victory over the French on 1st June 1794. It was the first and largest naval engagement between Britain and France during the French Revolutionary Wars. The British Channel Fleet under Admiral Lord Howe attempted to prevent the passage of a vital French grain convoy from the U. S. which was protected by the French Atlantic Fleet commanded