Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Abyssinia Medal awarded to Sir James N. Dick [K.C.B.], Senior Naval Medical Officer during the Abyssinian War 1867-68, and subsequently Director-General of the Medical Department of the Navy, and Honorary Surgeon to the King

Abyssinia 1867 (J. N. Dick Surgeon H.M.S. Satellite) good very fine £600-£800

James Nicholas Dick was born in 1832, and joined the Royal Navy as an Assistant Surgeon in 1853. He served in the latter capacity ‘during the Russian War, in 1854-55, served in “President”, flag of Rear-Admiral Price, and was present at the attacks on Petropaulovski, by the combined English and French Squadrons on 31st August and 4th September, 1854, when he was specially mentioned for his care of the large number of wounded; in September, 1854, he was also present at the capture of the Russian vessels, “Sitka” of 10 guns, and “Anadir” of 4 guns; in April, 1862, as Surgeon, was present in the boats of “Flying Fish” at the capture of a slaver in Rio Nunez, West Coast of Africa; in July and August, 1868, when in “Satellite” was Senior Medical Officer in charge of the Naval Forces and Indian Troops; in the operations on shore against pirates in the Nicobar Islands, Bay of Bengal; was Senior Naval Medical Officer during the Abyssinian War, 1867-68, and for his services was specially promoted to the rank of Fleet-Surgeon; during the Civil War in Spain, when Fleet-Surgeon of the “Lord Warden” flag ship, in 1873, he proceeded into Cartagena during the bombardment as a volunteer, to assist the wounded; received from the Admiralty an expression of their high estimation of the zeal, energy, and skill shown by him in the performance of his duties in connection with the R.N. Hospital, Malta, of which he was principal officer during the Egyptian campaign, 1882; C.B., 21 June 1887, on the occasion of the celebration of the completion of the fiftieth year of Her Majesty’s reign; Director-General of the Medical Department of the Navy, 25 February 1888; M.K.Q.C.P..’

Dick advanced to K.C.B. in 1895, and was subsequently appointed Honorary Surgeon to the King. He resided at 37 Upper Park Fields, Putney and Sea Wood, Bembridge, Isle of Wight. Sir James Dick died in July 1920.

For the medals awarded to the recipient’s son, see Lot 14.