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

Three: Queen’s Sudan 1896 (2778 Sgt. F. Ede, R.M.A.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (Frank Ede, Qr. Mr. Sergt., No.2778 R.M.A.); Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, 1 clasp, Hafir, unnamed as issued, light contact marks, otherwise very fine and rare (3)

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

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Collection

Approximately 30 Queen’s Sudan medals awarded to the Royal Marines.

Frank Ede was born on 27 February 1867 in Croydon, Surrey, and enlisted into the Royal Marines in London on 27 January 1886. On completion of Recruit Training at the Walmer Depot he was posted as a Private to the Royal Marine Artillery on 23 September 1886 and promoted to Gunner on 9 October 1886. He embarked aboard his first ship H.M.S. CYCLOPS (July 1887) and next served aboard TAMAR (December 1887), AUDACIOUS (January 1888), and SAPPHIRE (January 1889). He was disembarked to the Royal Marine Artillery Depot (September 1889)and was next afloat aboard RACOON (July 1890). He was promoted to Bombardier on 2 December 1890, having returned to the RMA Depot in August 1890, and next embarked aboard VICTORY (June 1893) and promoted to Corporal on 8 September 1893; disembarked to Depot (April 1894).

He joined SS ROME in June 1896 for passage to Egypt to serve with the Dongola Expedition from July to November 1896, was promoted to Sergeant on 14 July 1896 and awarded the Queen’s and Khedive’s Sudan medals, the latter with clasp ‘Hafir’. He was specially promoted to Colour Sergeant for services in the Sudan. His service record states that he was mentioned in despatches for the Dongola Expedition and that he was specially recommended for these services by the Senior Naval Officer of the Expedition.

He returned to the RMA Depot in November 1896 and was next afloat aboard RENOWN (May 1898) and was transferred to HOOD (February 1900) for passage to England. Served at the RMA Depot (March 1900) and was promoted to Sergeant Major and Instructor of Musketry on 26 April 1900. He served in this rank until discharged on 26 January 1907 having completed 21 years service. He was awarded his L.S. & G.C. medal in March 1904 whilst serving aboard HMS VICTORY. Although over 50 years of age he was recalled for service on 2 August 1914, promoted to Temporary Lieutenant R.M. on 30 November 1915, and appointed to the Submarine Repair Depot Ship CYCLOPS (January 1916). He was promoted to Acting Captain R.M. in 1917, whilst still serving in CYCLOPS, and continued to serve in this rank aboard CYCLOPS until demobilised in 1919.