The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals

Pair: Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 2 clasps, Alexandria 11th July, Suakin 1884 (J. S. Ferraro, Gunr. R.N. H.M.S. “Decoy”); Khedive’s Star 1884-6, good very fine (2)

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

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John Ferraro was born in Stoke Damerel, Devon, on 6 February 1853. He entered the service as a Boy 2nd Class on 7 August 1867 aboard H.M.S. ZEALOUS, remaining there for six years until April 1873, receiving advancement to Ord in March 1871 and A.B. in February 1873. He subsequently served aboard TOPAZE (1874-77) where he was made a Leading Seaman in January 1875, and a Petty Officer as 2nd Captain of the Fore Top in December 1876, followed by being a Gunner's Mate aboard ROYAL ADELAIDE (1878-80). He was promoted to Gunner R.N. on 19 July 1881, joining DECOY on that date and served until January 1885. Whilst in this ship he was present at the bombardment of Alexandria and was landed with the Naval Brigade for service in the Sudan in 1884. He served for lengthy periods aboard CAMBRIDGE (1885-88 and 1894-97). Received promotion to Chief Gunner R.N. on 15 June 1901 whilst on the books of VIVID II, subsequently serving on board BULWARK (1902-04) receiving promotion to Lieutenant R.N. on 17 October 1904, and IMPREGNABLE (1904-06), and was retired on age on 6 February 1908. He did not serve long enough as a rating to receive a Long Service & Good Conduct award.

During World War One he was recalled for active service as a Lieutenant Commander (Retired) on 28 July 1915, to superintend Ordnance Stores at Cardiff. He reverted to the Retired List on 31 August 1919, and died on 25 February 1934 from heart failure. He is entitled to the British War Medal as a Lieutenant Commander R.N.