The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 1 clasp, Suakin 1884 (R. Shields, Ord. H.M.S. “Inconstant”) pitting, otherwise very fine

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

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Richard Shields was born in St Leonards, Middlesex, on 6 August 1863 and first entered as a Boy 2nd Class aboard H.M.S. BOSCAWEN on 16 August 1878 being advanced to Boy 1st Class in August 1879. He earned the first of his Egypt Campaign rewards whilst aboard H.M.S. INCONSTANT (1880-82) where he was made an Ord on 6 August 1881, and his clasp aboard ORONTES (1883-86) where he became an Able Seaman on 1 July 1884 after serving aboard H.M.S. DUNCAN (1882-83). His last vessel was H.M.S. CANADA (1886-89), after which he was despatched to shore at the end of his first engagement on 5 August 1891. The Navy must have been glad to get rid of him, he had served thirteen times in cells or prison during his ten year adult engagement!