Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Prince of Wales’ Visit to India 1875-76, silver, by Phillips Brothers, London, 55.5mm x 83mm, the edge impressed ‘No. 169’, and additionally inscribed ‘Commander Francis Durrant, Royal Yacht “Osborne” ’, polished, otherwise very fine £800-£1,000

Provenance: Richard B. Magor Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, July 2003.

Francis Durrant had a long association with the Royal family during his career. As a young Midshipman he served aboard H.M.S. Trafalgar in the Crimea, and received his Crimean campaign medal from the Queen’s hand at the special presentation at Horse Guards on 18 May 1855. In November 1867 he was appointed to the Royal Yacht Victoria & Albert, being discharged from that ship on his promotion to Commander in September 1869. After further service at sea in Minotaur and ashore in Eagle, Commander Durrant was selected to join the personal staff of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales for his visit to India, and was appointed to the Royal Yacht Osborne on 11 June 1874. For his services during the royal tour, Durrant received the silver presentation medal on 10 May 1876, and was promoted to Captain five days later. On 1 May 1883, after a spell as Captain of the Royal Naval College, Captain Durrant was appointed to H.M.S. Canada and given charge, as Governor, of H.R.H. Prince George of Wales, later King George V. For his services in this capacity he was made a Companion of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George on 9 August 1884. Promoted to Rear-Admiral in January 1891, he retired in August 1893 and is believed to have died in 1895 or 1896.