Orders, Decorations and Medals

Ashantee 1873-74, 1 clasp, Coomassie (Capt. W. E. Despard, R.M.L.I. H.M.S. Barracouta. 73-74) edge bruise, otherwise good very fine and rare to this ship £800-1000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals for the Ashantee War 1873-74.

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Ex D.N.W. September 2005 (£2000).

Only 3 Coomassie clasps to H.M.S. Barracouta.

William Edward Despard was born at Clifton and entered the Royal Marines as 2nd Lieutenant in October 1855, becoming Lieutenant in 1859, 2nd Captain in 1867, and Captain in 1873. He served throughout the war on the Gold Coast from the 9th June 1873 until its termination. He was appointed Acting Assistant Commissary at Elmina as a temporary measure, 24 July 1873; was attached to the 42nd Royal Highlanders as Transport Officer and was present at the Battle of Amoaful, where he acted as Orderly Officer to Sir A. Alison, Bart. C.B. (Brigadier-General), the battle of Ordahsu and the capture of Coomassie. He was made brevet Major in April 1874, and had charge of the Royal Marines who were presented with the medal for “Conspicuous Gallantry” by Her Majesty at Windsor Castle on the 3rd December 1874. He was appointed Barrackmaster at Chatham and removed to Half Pay from December 1879, until he retired at his own request in December 1887 as Hon. Lieutenant-Colonel. He died at Blackheath on 24 July 1898. Sold with copy record of service and other research.