Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, no clasp (F. Snell, Leadg. Seamn., H.M.S. “Melita”) contemporary engraved naming, good very fine £200-250

Ex Douglas-Morris collection, 12 February 1997 (Lot 320).

Frank Snell was born at Mylor, Cornwall in July 1872 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in July 1887, aged 15 years. Advanced to Ordinary Seaman in July 1890 and to Able Seaman in August 1891, he joined H.M.S. Melita in September 1895, and served in her off the Sudanese coast, gaining entitlement to the Khedive's Sudan Medal without clasp. Snell was further advanced to Leading Seaman in April 1898 but was invalided ashore in May of the following year. Insufficient length of service disqualified him from receiving the L.S. & G.C. Medal, but he was awarded a Naval Pension suggesting that his medical discharge was as a direct result of his service.