New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1863 to 1864 (W. Forrell, Bandsmn., H.M.S. Curacoa) officially impressed naming, very fine £350-400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, An Important Collection of Medals for the Maori Wars, 1845-1866.

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Bandsman William Forrell's medal was issued on 21 January 1871. This is the only medal on the Roll for the Second New Zealand War issued to a Royal Navy rating “Bandsman”. 187 medals (24 to R.N. officers, 123 to R.N. ratings, one to R.M. officer, and 39 to R.M. N.C.Os. and men) were issued to H.M.S. Curacoa, of which 70 are known including one with reverse dated 1863-1866 to Ordinary Seaman George Loxley, and 3 with undated reverses to R.N. ratings.

William Forrell was born on 17 July 1838 in Bavaria, Germany. His earlier records have not been sought but his later record for 'Ships Served In' shows “Traced 89/215”. His latter record shows him as serving as Bandsman on Royal Alfred from January 1873 until Shore Paid Off in January 1874; Valiant from February 1874 until June 1875, when he was sent to “Shore-per order- to better condition”; Sultan from July 1875 to February 1876; Defence until May 1876, when he continued as Barber until November 1879 and was then discharged to shore on request, continuing as Barber in Tenedos until December 1882, and finally in Duke of Wellington to 21 January 1883, when he was Shore Pensioned. His later record is annotated “Traced Pension 22.11.82”.