The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, The Nile 1884-85 (W. S. Darton, Ldg. Sean.) pitting, therefore nearly very fine

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

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William Darton was born in Devonport, Devon, on 23 October 1863, and entered the service as an Ord aboard H.M.S. ROYAL ADELAIDE on 27 January 1882. He subsequently served aboard MONARCH (November 1882 to September 1884), and was redrafted on MONARCH's books for service with the Nile Flotilla (1 October 1884 to 18 August 1885), earning his Egypt medal and clasp, having been advanced to Leading Seaman during February 1885. In this rank he next served aboard FLAMINGO (1887-89), and EDINBURGH (1890-92) where he was advanced to Petty Officer 2nd Class during October 1890, and awarded his L.S. & G.C. award whilst aboard H.M.S. VIVID on 11 March 1892. He next joined DEFIANCE (1892-95 and 1899-1902) where he was made a Petty Officer 1st Class during November 1892. He had earlier been aboard PIQUE (1895-98), and was pensioned on 2 February 1902, but re-entered the service as an A.B. (Pensioner) on 18 August 1902 to serve aboard TEMERAIRE. He was finally discharged to shore at his own request on 5 February 1905, having earlier joined the R.F.R. on 11 February 1902. Called up for WW1 on 2 August 1914, he served until invalided to shore with chronic arthritis on 4 July 1917.