China 1857-60, 3 clasps, Fatshan 1857, Canton 1857, Taku Forts 1858 (Lieut. G. Rae (sic), H.M.S. Esk), contemporary engraved naming, very fine £350-400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Brian Kieran Collection.

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Ex Captain K. J. Douglas-Morris collection, 16 October 1996 (Lot 138).

Arthur George Robertson Roe entered the Royal Navy as a Cadet in March 1850, was advanced to Midshipman in March 1852 and joined H.M.S. Esk in March 1856. Subsequently specially promoted to Acting Lieutenant for his part in the capture of Canton (London Gazette 26 February 1858 refers), he was confirmed in his new rank in May of the latter year.

An appointment in the Euryalus having followed, when he served as Flag Lieutenant to Vice-Admiral Sir August Kuper, and was present at Kagoshima in August 1863, he was appointed captain of the Coquette in the rank of Commander, in which capacity he added a “mention” to his accolades for the action fought in the Straits of Simono Seki on 5 September 1864. The London Gazette of 18 November 1864 states:

‘In the Straits of Simono Seki the Coquette, towards the end of the engagement, was withdrawn from her position with the flanking squadron, and sent to assist the foremost of the advanced corvette squadron, a service which Commander A. G. R. Roe performed with great promptness.’

Advanced to Captain in February 1869, Roe commanded the Druid from February 1874 until December 1876, and served as Senior Officer, Ascension Island from November 1878 until October 1882, when he was placed on Half-Pay. He died in October 1885.