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

Six: China 1900, 1 clasp, Relief of Pekin (W. H. Rann, Gnr. R.M.A., H.M.S. Centurion); 1914-15 Star Trio, M.I.D. (R.M.A.4240 Sgt. W. H. Rann); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (4240 W. H. Rann, Bombardier R.M.A.); Naval Good Shooting Medal, E.VII.R. (R.M.A.4240 Bombr. W. H. Rann, H.M.S. Indomitable. 1909. 12 In. B.L.) the first with edge bruise and repaired suspension, contact marks, therefore nearly very fine or better (6)

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

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William Rann was born on 27 August 1885 in Portsea, near Portsmouth, Hampshire, and joined the Corps as a Bugler on 25 July 1891 when aged 16 years. He first embarked aboard H.M.S. NELSON (May 1892) returned to the R.M.A. Depot in October 1893 and then joined ROYAL ARTHUR (March 1894), and IMPERIEUSE (January 1896). He was promoted to Gunner on 11 September 1897 and served next aboard AURORA (February 1899) and CENTURION (May 1899). In the latter vessel he was landed in June 1900 as part of the Naval Brigade for service in China and was present during the relief of Pekin and the operations at Tiensin. He served next afloat aboard MONTAGUE (July 1903), NATAL (April 1907) and INDOMITABLE (June 1908). Whilst aboard INDOMITABLE in 1909 he was awarded the Naval Good Shooting Medal for accuracy with the 12" Breech Loading Gun, and awarded his L.S. & G.C. medal having been promoted to Bombardier on 15 November 1906 and to Corporal on 3 November 1909. He next joined TEMERAIRE (May 1911) was promoted to Sergeant on 30 June 1913, and joined ORION (February 1914) serving until discharged to shore ‘time expired’ in August 1914.

He joined the R.F.A. on 28 August 1914 and was immediately mobilised, joining BENBOW in October 1914 and was present in this battleship at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916. BENBOW was the Flag Ship of Vice Admiral Sir Doveton Sturdee, Commanding the Fourth Battle Squadron. He was next drafted to LORD NELSON (July 1916) and in February 1918 was posted to the R.M.A. Heavy Siege Train in France. He returned to the Depot in January 1919 and served ashore until demobilised on 20 May 1919. He was mentioned in Despatches and awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre.