Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

East and West Africa 1887-1900, 1 clasp, 1891-2 (R. J. Thomas, P.O. 1st. Cl., H.M.S. Widgeon.) minor edge bruise, very fine £240-280

Robert John Thomas was born at Arran, Co. Galway, Ireland, on 14 July 1858, and joined the Royal Navy on 28 January 1874, serving as a Boy 2nd Class in H.M.S. Implacable. He was promoted Able Seaman on 1 January 1879, serving in H.M.S. Hercules, and was advanced Captain of the Foretop in H.M.S. Sapphire on 18 January 1883. Promoted Petty Officer 1st Class on 1 December 1889, whilst serving in H.M.S. Cambridge, he transferred to H.M.S. Widgeon on 27 December 1891, and served in her during operations on and off the coast of Gambia against Chief Fodeh Cabbah, December 1891 to February 1892. He was shore pensioned on 26 July 1903, and joined the Royal Fleet Reserve in the same rate on 30 May 1904. During the Great War he served as a Shop Labourer in H.M.S. Indus, a training ship for Boy Artificers, from 1915 to 1919.

Sold together with the recipient’s four Parchment Certificates of Service in the Royal Navy; and a letter of reference from services performed during the Great War, dated 1920, all contained in an old Admiralty tin.

Approximately 50 medals with this clasp to H.M.S. Widgeon.