Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Bosun’s Mate J. G. Nelson, Royal Navy

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, no clasp (J. G. Nelson, Bo’sns. Mte., HM.S. Seahorse); Royal Humane Society Medal, small, bronze (successful) (John Geo. Nelson, Ld. Seaman, 3 Octr. 1868) with (bent) buckle on ribbon, good very fine (2) £200-240

John George Nelson was born in Bedminster, Gloucestershire on 5 November 1844. On 3 October 1868, as a Leading Seaman aboard H.M.S. Danae, he was involved in the rescue of Cornelius Clarke, who fell overboard from the ship whilst at Lagos Roads, West Africa, Sir Malcolm MacGregor, Bart, Captain of the Danae and Able Seaman John G. Thew assisting.

‘Nelson jumped overboard and swam to the man, when a life buoy was thrown into the water, Nelson took it to Clarke, Thew also jumped overboard to assist. Sir Malcolm jumped from the stern window with R.H.S. Life Belt, swam to and assisted in supporting Clarke until a boat came.’

The three men were each awarded the R.H.S. Medal in bronze for their part in the rescue. As Bosun’s Mate, Nelson served on the Seahorse, February 1881-December 1882, taking part in the operations on and off the coast of Egypt, after which he was pensioned ashore.

With copied service paper, roll extract and other research. A possible family relation of J. W. Nelson, see lot 611.