The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, no clasp (H. Melia, Ord. H.M.S. “Agincourt”) nearly extremely fine

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

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Henry Melia was born in Liverpool, Lancashire on 18 April 1864. He entered the service as a Boy 2nd Class aboard H.M.S. IMPREGNABLE on 18 August 1879 when aged 15 years, and was transferred to IMPLACABLE on 31 August and was advanced whilst in this vessel to Boy 1st Class on 10 August 1880. In this rate he next served aboard LION (July 1881) and AGINCOURT (August 1881) being advanced to Ordinary Seaman on 18 April 1882 and to Able Seaman on 15 April 1883. In the rate of Able Seaman he subsequently served aboard ROYAL ADELAIDE (October 1883), INDUS (November 1883) and AGAMEMNON (September 1884). During a three year commission in the latter ship he was sentenced to ‘cells’ aboard ship on six separate occasions. He was also sentenced to 42 days in Naval Prison and was twice sent to H.M. Prison Malta to serve 90 and 28 days respectively. He next joined ROYAL ADELAIDE (December 1897) and INDUS (March 1888). Whilst in the latter vessel he was sent to Bodmin Goal in December 1890 for 36 days, and again in February 1891 for 41 days. On release from prison he joined VIVID (June 1891), RESEARCH (June 1891), VIVID I (October 1891), HIMALAYA (November 1891), VIVID 1 (December 1891), and HIMALAYA (December 1891). Six postings in as many months suggests that each of the different ships and shore bases were glad to see the back of him, as was perhaps the Royal Navy, when he was discharged to shore on 21 April 1892, having completed his 10 year engagement. Not surprisingly he did not receive a L.S. & G.C. medal but he was, however, awarded a Naval Pension.