Pair: Boatswain’s Mate William Biddlecombe, Royal Navy

Naval General Service 1793-1840, 1 clasp, Syria (William Biddlecombe.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., wide suspension (W. Biddlecombe. Bosns. Mate. H.M.S. Falcon 22 Ys) the first nearly very fine, the second dark toned, very fine £1,200-£1,400

William Biddlecombe was born at Landport, Hampshire, on 24 July 1821, and joined the Navy as a Boy 1st Class aboard H.M.S. Edinburgh on 12 October 1837, serving in this ship until 14 July 1841, during which time he was engaged in the operations on and off the coast of Syria as an Ordinary Seaman, which rate he had attained in October 1840. He joined Dublin on 30 July 1841, was rated Able Seaman in September 1844, and next joined Siren on 14 May 1845, and Arrogant on 14 March 1849. He then joined Encounter as Boatswain’s Mate and remained in her in that rate until 19 February 1858, including operations during the Second China War for which he is entitled to the medal without clasp. He next joined Victory on 20 February 1858, and was then at Portsmouth Yard from 5 April 1858 until 12 May 1859, when he joined his last ship, Falcon, in which he served until 29 September 1862. He received his L.S. & G.C. medal and Gratuity on 1 October 1862. Sold with copied record of service.