S.S. Maine American Ladies’ Hospital Ship Fund Commemorative Medallion 1899, 44mm., white metal, unnamed, in fitted case; Indian Medical Service Prize for Pathology, obverse: bust of Surgeon General Sir Joseph Fayrer Bart, K.C.S.I., F.R.S. (Lieutenant B. F. Beatson, I.M.S. April 1914) 45mm., bronze, in damaged Spink, London fitted case, second with edge bruise, nearly extremely fine and better (2) £40-60

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Awards to the Medical Services from the Collection of the late Tony Sabell.

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The American hospital ship Maine was loaned to the British Government by the Atlantic Transport Company for service off South Africa 1899-1900, the cost of her fitting-out in London by Messrs. Fletcher & Son and Fearnal Ltd. being met by the American Ladies Hospital Ship Fund - who struck a special medal to raise support. In July 1900, the Maine was placed at the disposal of the Indian Government for service off China, where she was principally used by the United States contingent of the Allied force.

Basil Fraser Beatson was born in Paddington on 7 April 1890. He qualified in medicine as M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. in 1912 and joined the Indian Medical Service in 1914 and was awarded the Fayrer Prize in Pathology. Attaining the rank of Captain in March 1915, he served in the Great War and in Persia, 1918-19. In October 1922 he transferred to the Royal Air Force as a Temporary Lieutenant. Gained the D.T.M. & H.; D.P.H.; R.C.P.S. Lond. in 1922. Attained the rank of Squadron Leader in January 1924. Beatson retired from the R.A.F. in October 1946 and died on 6 December 1971.

With copied research.