The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals

Ashantee 1873-74, no clasp (J. May, Boatsn. R.N., H.M.S. Simoom. 73-74) good very fine

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

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James May was born in Hastings, Sussex, on 23 January 1838 and joined the service as a Boy 2nd Class on 27 January 1852, aboard H.M.S. NEPTUNE, as soon as the age limit allowed - he was 14 years and four days old. During his next Commission aboard H.M.S. ARCHER, from November 1853 until June 1857, he saw service in the Baltic during both campaigning years of 1854 and 1855. Being advanced to Able Seaman aboard H.M.S. JASPER in August 1859, he became a Signalman in October 1862 and Yeoman of Signals (Petty Officer) in October 1864 whilst aboard H.M.S. MARLBOROUGH. Nine years later, having carried out the duties of Captain's Coxswain, Quarter Master and Captain of the Main Top, he was promoted to Acting Boatswain R.N. on 25 January l 873. He served as Boatswain R.N. aboard H.M.S. SIMOOM during her Commission from July 1873 until August 1876, earning his Ashantee campaign award. He later served aboard H.M.S. WARRIOR (1878-80) and H.M.S. SYLVIA (1882-85) prior to being pensioned on 16 March 1888. He died on 23 August 1914.