The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals

New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated ‘1863 to 1864’ (J. Taylor, Bosns. Mate, H.M.S. Esk) good very fine

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

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Born Landport, Hampshire 6 January 1819. First entered the service as an Able Seaman aboard H.M.S. SPARTAN on 1 July 1846. Continued to serve aboard H.M.S. TRAFALGAR (1851-55) as a Leading Seaman, transferred to H.M.S. CRACKER (tender to ROYAL ALBERT) from April 1855 to July 1856. Employed as a "Seaman Rigger" in Portsmouth Dockyard from December 1858 to May 1859, with this shore time being allowed to count towards his naval pension (seen by the Admiralty as a "Reservist"). Drafted to H.M.S. MELPOMENE as an A.B., attaining Petty Officer status (Bosun's Mate) during her seagoing commission (1860-1863).

Joined H.M.S. ESK on 26 May 1863 as a Bosun's Mate from which vessel he was discharged to H.M.S. MIRANDA, on 6 February 1865, for a passage to England. Joined H.M.S. VICTORY 21 May 1865 as a Bosun's Mate (No 282) "to await payment" prior to being pensioned to shore. Whilst Quarter Master aboard CRACKER he earned the Crimea medal with clasps for Sebastopol and Azoff.