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

Four: Baltic 1854-55, unnamed as issued; Crimea 1854-55, 1 clasp, Sebastopol (George Downard, H.M.S. Valorous) contemporary engraved naming; China 1857-60, 2 clasps, Canton 1857, Taku Forts 1858, unnamed as issued; Ashantee 1873-74, no clasp (G. Downard, Py. Offr. 1. Cl. H.M.S. Beacon. 73-74) contact marks but generally nearly 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 Downard was born in Woolwich, Kent on 25 October 1835. Joined the service as Boy 2nd Class on 15 April 1850 aboard H.M.S. IMPREGNABLE, and subsequently drafted to H.M.S. VALOROUS in July 1852 until she was "paid off" in August 1856 where he earned the campaign medals for the Baltic and Crimean actions. Whilst serving aboard H.M.S. SLANEY (1857-59) he took part in the earlier actions of the Second China War. Advanced to Leading Seaman on 1 April 1861 when aboard COLOSSUS (1860-61), and in PHAETON (1861-65) attained Petty Officer status as 2nd Captain of the After Guard in December 1862. Drafted to H.M.S. BEACON as P.O. lst Class on 18 July 1873 and not only discharged from her but also the service on 31 January 1874, with less than 18 years adult service. On five different occasions deprived of good conduct badges between 1858 and 1870, thus no L.S. & G.C. medal.