Orders, Decorations and Medals

Ashantee 1873-74, 1 clasp, Coomassie (W. Cotton, Lg. Seamn., H.M.S. Amethyst, 73-74) tightened suspension claw and edge nicks, otherwise very fine £300-350

William Cotton was born in Dawlish, Devon in November 1846 and entered the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in July 1861. Advanced to Able Seaman in March 1866, he served in H.M.S. Amethyst from July 1873 to May 1874, in which period he was landed for service with the Naval Brigade and would have been present at the engagement at Amoaful - 64 members of Amethyst’s crew qualified for the “Coomassie” clasp. Having been advanced to Leading Seaman at the end of the latter commission, Cotton served at the Devonport gunnery establishment Cambridge, aboard the frigate Topaze and, from November 1877 until his discharge in February 1879, on the Pacific station aboard the sloop Pelican, latterly in the rate of Petty Officer 2nd Class; sold with copied service record.