Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Ship’s Corporal First Class G. Kenley, Royal Navy, later Royal Fleet Reserve, who was serving aboard the ironclad H.M.S. Alexandra when the quick actions of Gunner Harding prevented a detonation above her magazine - his valour was later recognised with the V.C.

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 1 clasp, Alexandria 11th July (G. Kenley A.B. H.M.S. “Alexandra.”); Khedive’s Star, dated 1882, unnamed as issued, light contact marks, nearly very fine (2) £140-£180

George Kenley was born in Aberdeen on 17 August 1861 and joined the Royal Navy at Portsmouth as Boy 2nd Class on 17 January 1878. Posted to Alexandra (affectionately known by the crew as ‘Old Alex’) on 10 August 1880, he witnessed the bombardment of Alexandria on 11 July 1882 by a fleet of 15 Royal Navy ships; during the action Alexandra was struck by a 10-inch shell which passed through her side and lodged in the main deck. Gunner Israel Harding, hearing a warning shout, rushed up from below, picked it up and flung it into a tub of water, thus saving countless lives. He was later presented with the Victoria Cross by the Prince of Wales upon returning to England.

Raised Able Seaman 1 September 1881 and Ship’s Corporal 1st Class 9 November 1893, Kenley was shore pensioned at Portsmouth on 25 August 1899. He served a further seven years with the Royal Fleet Reserve and was discharged on his 50th birthday.