The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals

East and West Africa 1887-1900, edge impressed ‘Mwele 1895’, 1 clasp, Benin 1897 (G. Osborne, Pte., H.M.S. St George) scratched on obverse, otherwise nearly very fine

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

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George Osborne was born on 5 November 1870 in Bury St. Edmonds, Suffolk, and was a labourer prior to enlisting in the Royal Marines on 5 February 1890. Following Recruit Training at the Walmer Depot he joined the Portsmouth Division as a Private on 2 October 1890, and embarked aboard his first ship H.M.S. ALEXANDRA on 2 October 1891. He next joined VICTORY (1893), MAGNET (1894) and then ST GEORGE on 25 October 1894. He served a two and a half year commission in the latter vessel before being invalided ashore on 15 June 1897. Whilst in ST GEORGE he took part in the Expedition against Chief Mbaruk 22-26 July 1895 and was present at the bombardment of the Sultan's Palace at Zanzibar on 27 August 1896. He was also landed for the Benin Expedition in February 1897, He served ashore with the Portsmouth Division until embarked on ALEXANDRA (December 1897), REVENGE (April 1901), DUKE OF WELLINGTON (1902-03), and SPARTIATE (1903). Following a short period ashore at the Portsmouth Depot he joined EXCELLENT (1903-06), and MERCURY (1907-10). He returned to the Portsmouth Division prior to being discharged to shore ‘time expired’ on 18 February 1911. His service sheets carry a note that he received his L.S. & G.C. medal on 25 February 1911 after being discharged. Two 7-day periods in cells in 1894 and 1895 resulted in him having to restart counting his very good character assessments, hence the lateness of his award. He enrolled in the Royal Fleet Reserve on 19 February 1911, satisfactorily completing his various drills until test mobilised on 15 July 1914, when he reported to VICTORY. He served with the Portsmouth Division Headquarter's Staff until embarked on IMPERIUSE (March to August 1916). He returned to the Portsmouth Division Depot and continued to serve until discharged to shore as ‘invalided’.