The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals (Part 1)

Four: Crimea 1854-55, 1 clasp, Sebastopol (29445. G. R. Chittenden, Coxswain. H.M.S. Niger); China 1857-60, 1 clasp, Canton 1857 (29445., Captns. Coxwn. H.M.S. Esk); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., wide suspension (Admls. Coxn. H.M.S. Caledonia 20 Yrs.); Turkish Crimea 1855, Sardinian issue (29445., Coxswain H.M.S. Niger) fitted with straight suspension, the three campaign medals are all officially impressed later issues, light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (4)

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

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George Chittenden was born in Southsea, Hampshire, and joined the service as a Boy 2nd Class aboard H.M.S. VICTORY on 17 February 1845 at the age of 16 years. He attained Petty Officer status as Captain’s Coxswain aboard the NIGER in July 1854, subsequently becoming Admiral’s Coxswain aboard H.M. Ships VICTORIA and CALEDONIA when flying the flag of the Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean Station, Lord Clarence Paget, C.B. His Admiral must have obtained the L.S. & G.C. awards for Chittenden by influential intercedence, since his service aboard those two Flagships was not only less than three years but also his award was approved prior to CALEDONIA being paid off.

The issue date of the three campaign awards is unknown but the style of impressing is consistent with that used for Crimean and China medals. The additional details of his Continuous Service Number and the names of his ships, however, are not consistent with normal practise of the day. His L.S. & G.C. medal was issued in August 1867.