The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals

A rare C.G.M. pair awarded to Able Seaman Harry Bennett for gallantry at Kotalama, Perak River, when he helped save the life of Doctor Townsend of the Buffs
Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, V.R., 2nd type (Harry Bennett, A.B. R.N. Perak River. 1876) official correction to second letter of surname; India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Perak (H. Bennett, A.B. H.M.S. “Philomel”) contact marks, otherwise very fine and rare (2)

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

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C.G.M. awarded in 1876 in the name of Bonnett, hence the correction to his surname on the medal. He won his award jointly with Able Seaman Henry Thompson, one of only three C.G.M.’s awarded in this campaign. The following citation was submitted by way of recommendation by Commander E. St. J. Garforth, R.N.:

"On 4 January 1876 during the attack made by the Malays at Kotalama on Brigadier General Ross, his staff and the PHILOMEL's Naval Brigade, Henry Thompson and Harry Bennett saved the life of Doctor Townsend attached to the Buffs, by cutting down the Malays who were about to spear him when he was on the ground in a helpless condition, these seamen at the time being separated from the main body, caused through the thickness of the bush".

Born at Camberwell in Surrey on 21 August 1854, he first entered the service as a Boy 2nd Class aboard H.M.S. FISGARD on 29 July 1870, later drafted to BOSCAWEN on 3 August 1870. After passing through EXCELLENT, HECTOR and Naval Barracks, he joined H.M.S. PHILOMEL as an Ordinary Seaman on 22 August 1873, advanced to A.B. in November 1873 and paid off to Naval Barracks in September 1877. Whilst aboard H.M.S. DUNCAN which he had joined in June 1878 he purchased his discharge for twelve pounds on 9 November 1878.