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

Pair: India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Burma 1885-7 (Chief Engr. Peter Sim, I.F.Cos. Str. “Burma”) official corrections to naming; Transport Medal 1899-1902, 1 clasp, China 1900 (P. Sim) very fine (2)

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

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Peter Sim was 2nd Engineer of FORMOSA (Douglas Steam Ship Company) when engaged on transport duties to China.

The original Irrawaddy Flotilla was organised by the Indian Marine for Transport Duty during the 2nd Burmese War of 1852-3. In 1865 it was handed over to civilian control on the understanding that the India Office could use its services in time of emergency. It was run from 15 St Vincent Place in Glasgow. The company flourished up until the 2nd World War when, in 1942, its fleet was scuttled rather than let it fall into Japanese hands. In 1948 the Company was taken over by the Burmese Government.

In the early years European Captains and Officers were recruited in Rangoon and Glasgow, but as the Company expanded a proper system was organised whereby Officers were recruited by the Glasgow Office, being usually interviewed by a Senior Commander who was on leave, and by the Secretary of the Company. Board of Trade Deep Sea Certificates were normally required and Officers proceeded to Burma as passengers in steamers of the Henderson Line, being given £10 towards voyage expenses. On arrival in Rangoon, Officers were interviewed by the Marine Superintendent before being introduced to the Manager, and they were then appointed as 2nd Officers of mainline steamers, later going as Chief Officers of smaller vessels which usually only carried one other Officer. A year was served in this manner before an Officer could sit for his 1st Class Inland Master's Certificate. On passing this examination an increase of pay was always given and a Command was usually secured in the next few years.

Engineer Officers were recruited in the same manner as the Executive Officers and on arrival in Burma they were usually posted to the larger mail and cargo steamers as 4th Engineers. Most of the Engineer Officers came from Dumbarton, due to the Company's long association with William Denny & Bros, who had built a large number of the Flotilla's steamers. During the military operations in upper Burma in 1885-87, the Company's steamers were much used by the military authorities for the conveyance of troops and stores. They frequently came under enemy fire and for this reason a number were fitted with guns and were more than capable of giving as good as they got. The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company received the thanks of the military forces and the Government of India for the part played by their steamers and Officers.

On 20 July 1887, the Viceroy of India recognised the work done by the Company by sanctioning the grant of the ‘India Medal’ (1854) with clasp ‘Burma 1885-7’ to the Officers and Crews who had taken part in the recent military operations. For further information see ‘The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company’, Maritime Monographs & Reports No. 7, published by the National Martime Museum, London 1973.

The BURMA was a paddle steamer built in 1879 by Messrs R. Duncan of Glasgow and engined by Messrs Rankin & Blackmore. Her measurements were length 250 feet, width 30 feet, draught 8.8 feet, of 476 gross tons. She was broken up in 1901 at Dalla.