Auction Catalogue

25 September 2008

Starting at 10:00 AM

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Orders, Decorations and Medals

Washington Mayfair Hotel  London  W1J 5HE

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Lot

№ 245

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25 September 2008

Hammer Price:
£1,500

Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., Anchor obverse, inverted reverse (George Sturgess, Acting 2nd Master H.M.S. Howe 21 Years) edge bruise, otherwise nearly very fine £600-800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Long Service Medals from the Collection formed by John Tamplin.

View Long Service Medals from the Collection formed by John Tamplin

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Collection

As an acting 2nd Master Goerge Sturgess was the most senior rating awarded an ‘anchor’ type long service medal, granted on 11 March 1836.

Sturgess joined the Royal Navy as an Able Seaman aboard H.M.S.
Royal Oak in April 1811, and served subsequently in H.M. Ships Royal William, Ceres, Quebec, Namur, Bulwark, Gloucester, Prince Regent, Ocean, and finally Howe. In March 1836 he was finally awarded his Medal and Gratuity after the question of his ‘officer’ status was finally quashed, as noted in the remarks column of the recommendation for the award which states:

‘An excellent & well conducted seaman, who has always been selected to command the Tender attached to the Flag Ship at Sheerness, in which capacity he has served upwards of Twenty Years & would long since have been recommended for a Medal & Gratuity had he not been considered as an Officer from holding the rating of acting Second Master, but their Lordships in awarding him his pension on the 18th of this month decided that his time of Second Master was only to be considered as Petty Officer servitude.’

Sold with copy statement of services and recommendation for award of Medal.