The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals

Three: Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, 1 clasp, Alexandria 11th July (W. Kirby, Ord. H.M.S. “Beacon”); China 1900, no clasp (W. J. Kirby, Sail. Mte., H.M.S. Dido); Khedive’s Star 1882, light pitting to the first, therefore very fine, otherwise nearly extremely fine (3)

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

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William Kirby was born in Maidstone, Kent on 2 November 1863. He first entered the service as a Boy 2nd Class aboard aboard H.M.S. DUNCAN on 20 February 1879. He subsequently served as a Boy aboard MINOTAUR (1880-81) and as an Ord aboard H.M.S. BEACON from June 1882 until April 1883, earning his Egypt campaign medal. His next vessels were IRIS (1884-87) where he was advanced to A.B. in September 1884, NORTHUMBERLAND (1888-90), KATOOMBA (1891-94), BLENHEIM (1896-98) where he was rated Sailmaker's Mate in March 1896, and his last vessel was H.M.S. DIDO (September 1898 to January 1902) earning the Third China War medal. He was pensioned to shore on 21 May 1902, and died on 8 June 1906. He did not receive his 1st Good Conduct Badge until January 1895, and was deprived of it in 1900.