The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals (Part 2)

South Africa 1877-79, clasp, 1879 (F. James, P.O. 2nd Cl. H.M.S. “Shah”) good very fine

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

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396 clasps to this ship.

Frank James was born at Portsea, Hants, on 12 September 1851 and joined the service as a Boy 2nd Class board H.M.S. CONSTANCE on 6 April 1866. He was advanced to A.B. aboard H.M.S. DWARF in May 1872, and drafted to H.M.S. SHAH on 14 August 1876, receiving advancement to P.O. 2nd Class on 14 February 1879, prior to being paid off in October 1879. He took part in the action fought between the SHAH and the Peruvian Rebel Turret Ship HUASCAR during May 1877. He served as Gunner's Mate (P.O. 1st Class) aboard H.M. Ships WARRIOR (1881-83) and SHANNON (1883-84) prior to his promotion to Warrant Rank as Gunner R.N. on 5 February 1884. Appointed to H.M.S. SPEY as her Gunner for the Jubilee manoeuvres from 7 July to 20 August 1887. He was pensioned as a Gunner R.N. in March 1904, but recalled as Chief Gunner R.N. on 15 September 1914 to serve for nearly five years at H.M.S. VERNON, during which time he received promotion to Lieutenant R.N. (Retired) to date from Armistice Day 1918. Discharged from active duty in March 1919, he died in June 1922.