The published Naval General Service Medal rolls confirm William Sparks as an Able [or Ordinary] Seaman aboard the Desir/Ae/ae for the capture of the Fortress of Gluckstadt at the mouth of the River Elbe on 5.1.1814, one of just 42 recipients of this clasp recorded on the Admiralty roll. One man, however, with the same names, was entitled to a single 'Syria' clasp.