The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals

New Zealand 1845-66, reverse undated (J. Billings, Corpl. R.M.A. H.M.S. Cordelia. 1860-61) engraved naming, good very fine and scarce

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

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His medal was issued on 17 November 1876.
An insufficient number of medals were struck by the Royal Mint with the reverse dates ‘1860 to 1861’, the shortfall being overcome in a few cases by issuing surplus medals with the reverse date ‘1860’. Those officers and men who took part in the earlier campaigns were, after 1873, issued with an undated reverse with, in a number of cases, the dates ‘1860-61’ being added to the impressed or engraved edge details.

Born Hinkley, Leicester on 31 January 1829. Enlisted in the Royal Marine Artillery circa 1847 and joined H.M.S. CORDELIA as a Corporal R.M.A. on 17 April 1857. Served ashore with the Naval Brigade including many men from PELORUS during the period 20 April to 28 May 1860. Discharged from CORDELIA to Plymouth Headquarters on 2 April 1862.