The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 1 clasp, Suakin 1884 (J. Falconer, Lg. Sean. H.M.S. “Orion”) very fine

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

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John Falconer was born in Leuchars, Fife, on 23 April 1855. He entered the service as a Boy 2nd Class aboard H.M.S. PYLADES on 6 May 1870, advancing to Boy 1st Class and subsequently to Ord during April 1873, remaining there until 31 December 1873. He next served aboard NEWCASTLE (1874-77) where he was made an Able Seaman in December 1874, PENELOPE (1877-79), AGINCOURT (1879-81), and made a Leading Seaman on joining ORION (1882-83) on 27 June 1882. He was disrated to Able Seaman during September 1883. He served aboard SERAPIS (10 January 1884 to 9 February 1886) during the Soudan campaign, and earned his ‘Suakin 1884’ clasp, remaining aboard this vessel until February 1886. The last two vessels he served aboard were BRITANNIA (1887-88) based at Dartmouth, training young Officers, and IMPERIEUSE (1888-90). He was invalided from the service at Haslar Hospital on 5 June 1891. The Navy must have been pleased to be rid of him, as he had been placed Second Class for leave on four occasions, lost Good Conduct Badges on five occasions, once been sent to cells and, more seriously, punished by prison sentences of 90 days on three occasions. He was never a prospect for a Long Service & Good Conduct medal.