Orders, Decorations and Medals

Three: Chief Inspector of Machinery W. J. Canter, Royal Navy

Coronation 1902, silver; Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 2 clasps, Suakin 1884, Suakin 1885 (W. J. Canter, Chf. Engr. R.N. H.M.S. “Humber”); Khedive’s Star 1882, unnamed, extremely fine (3) £280-320

William James Cantor was born on 2 December 1844, and joined the Royal Navy as Assistant Engineer 2nd Class on 5 April 1864, studying as an Engineer Student at Keyham Factory until April 1867, when he passed as Assistant Engineer 1st Class. He qualified as Engineer in August 1869, and as Chief Engineer in October 1881. He served as Chief Engineer aboard H.M.S. Humber from August 1882 until November 1886, during which period he earned his Egypt and Sudan awards. He received further promotion to Fleet Engineer in October 1889, to Inspector of Machinery in March 1894, and, finally, to Chief Inspector of Machinery in April 1900. He retired in January 1902 and died on 13 September 1916.