Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, no clasp (Lt. & Comdr. L. Napier, R.N. H.M.S. “Coquette”) good very fine

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals.

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Lennox Napier was born on 17 September 1846, a descendent of the 8th Baron Napier and Ettrick. He first entered as a Naval Cadet aboard H.M.S. BRITANNIA on 12 March 1860, and later served aboard H.M.S. ALGIERS (1861-62) where he received promotion to Midshipman on 21 June 1862. Subsequently was appointed to H.M.S. LEANDER in April 1863, where he was made a Sub Lieutenant on 24 December 1865, until paid off in October 1866, followed by servitude aboard H.M.S. MINOTAUR (1867-68) and commissioned as a Lieutenant on 5 August 1868. His next ships were PALLAS (1869-70), AUDACIOUS (1870-71), INCONSTANT (1871-72), CROCODILE (1873-74), MALABAR (1874-75), ST. VINCENT (1876-77), THUNDERER (1877-79), AGINCOURT (1879-80), ESK (1881), VICTOR EMANUEL (1881), and COQUETTE (1882-83) of which he was in Command.

Whilst in COQUETTE he was Mentioned in Despatches: “At forcible anchoring, Ismailia, 27 July 1882. At occupation of Ismailia, 19-21 August 1882. Governor's Guard laid down their arms to him. Occupied Khedive's Palace and secured admirable position. Captain Fitzroy thanks.” (London Gazette 8 September 1882 and C-in-C Mediterranean letter dated 7 August 1882). Promoted to Commander 18 November 1882 for services during the Egyptian campaign.

Saw service with the Coast Guard commencing January 1884. Returned to Active List and given Command of H.M.S. MIDGE on the China Station in December 1885 but died whilst in Command on 21 January 1886, at the very young age of 40 years.