South Africa 1877-79, no clasp (J. Robins. Engr. R.N. H.M.S. “Himalaya”) nearly extremely fine £500-600

S. J. Robins was born in April 1851, and joined the Royal Navy as Assistant Engineer 2nd Class in July 1872. He advanced to Engineer in June 1877, and was posted to H.M.S. Himalaya the same month. Robins advanced to Chief Engineer in August 1885, and subsequent service included as Senior Engineering Officer at Simons Town Dockyard, Cape Town and as Chief Engineer at Hong Kong Dockyard.

Robins was promoted Fleet Engineer in August 1893, and to Inspector of Machinery in April 1900. Two years later he was promoted Engineer Rear Admiral, before being appointed as Base Engineer Rear Admiral to H.M.S. Impregnable (Flag ship C-in-C Plymouth). Robins retired 14 May 1908, having served for 35 years with the Royal Navy.