The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals

Ashantee 1873-74, no clasp (R. Taylor, Ord. H.M.S. Merlin. 73-74) edge bruise, very fine

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

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Rosen Taylor was born at Freshwater, Isle of Wight on 20 February 1855. Joined the service as a Boy 2nd Class aboard H.M.S. INCONSTANT on 12 September 1870. As an Ordinary Seaman was drafted to H.M.S. ACTIVE on 3 January 1874, to H.M.S. DROMEDARY 17 January 1874 and then to H.M.S. MERLIN on 18 March 1874. A year after earning his Ashantee medal he got into serious trouble, having to serve forty two days in gaol at Cape Town during March-April l 875. Advanced in January 1876 to Able Seaman, the rate he held until becoming a Boatman in the Coast Guard Service on 11 May 1885, and was made a Commissioned Boatman during February 1892. Pensioned on 6 July 1895, little expecting to serve again, but as a Leading Boatman he was called up on 7 December 1914. He was finally invalided on 4 February 1918 when in his sixty third year.