East and West Africa 1887-1900, 2 clasps, Benin River 1894, Benin 1897 (J. Robertson, Sto., H.M.S. Phœbe) good very fine £220-260

John Robertson was born in South Leith, Edinburgh, on 25 January 1870. A Labourer by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Navy as a Stoker 2nd Class on 12 March 1894, being promoted to Stoker in May 1895. He served on the Phœbe, 10 August 1895-22 May 1897, during which time he gained the East and West Africa Medal with clasp for Benin 1897. He attained the rank of Stoker 1st Class in July 1906 when serving on the Nelson. During the early part of the war he was based on Excellent, Vernon and Victory. In April 1916 he was posted to the sloop Glenista. He was killed in action on 23 October 1916 when the ship was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine off the West coast of Ireland. The Glenista sank very rapidly, taking with her all her officers and 73 ratings. Only 12 ratings were saved.

Note: Not entitled to the clasp ‘Benin River 1894’. Sold with copied service paper.