Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 2 clasps, Suakin 1884, El-Teb-Tamaai (F. G. Bray, A.B. H.M.S. “Hecla”) light pitting to the obverse, otherwise good very fine

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

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Frederick Bray was born on 10 May 1856 in Devonport. He joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class aboard H.M.S. EXCELLENT on 18 September 1871, and advanced to Boy 1st Class during November 1872, and to Ord during June 1874 whilst aboard LORD WARDEN. He subsequently served aboard HERCULES (1875-77), MINOTAUR (1878-79) where he advanced to Able Seaman during February 1879, and WARRIOR (1879-81). During the Egypt Campaign he served aboard HECLA from 22 June 1882 until 13 May 1884, earning the campaign medal with two clasps. He was discharged to shore in May 1884, his continuous service engagement having expired. He had served two lengthy goal sentences, both for forty two days, firstly at Dorchester in 1880, and secondly at Lewes in 1881, and was sent to cells aboard his vessel on five other occasions. He was understandably never a contender for a Long Service & Good Conduct award.