Orders, Decorations and Medals

Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., Anchor obverse (William Collins, Blacksmith, H.M.S. Belvidera, 25 Years) pierced and fitted with double ring suspension, minor contact marks, good very fine £600-700

William Collins first entered the Royal Navy as an Ordinary Seaman in H.M.S. Blossom on 4 July 1817, later serving aboard the ship as Armourer. He joined H.M.S. Cambrian as an Able Seaman in July 1824. Collins later served aboard H.M. Ships Victory, Heron, Briton, Britannia, and Sapphire. He joined H.M.S. Belvidera as a Ship’s Corporal in September 1841 and was paid off from her as a Blacksmith in March 1845. Whilst serving aboard the ship, he was awarded the Royal Navy L.S. & G.C. with gratuity on 1 March 1845. He later served, variously as an Armourer or Blacksmith, aboard H.M.S. Ships Excellent and Lily. As a Blacksmith on H.M.S. Gorgon he was invalided on 2 December 1854. This was his last ship, having served 37 years in the Royal Navy. With copied research.