Orders, Decorations and Medals

Four: Commander H. H. Torlesse, Royal Navy

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, no clasp (Lieut., R.N. H.M.S. “Minotaur”); East and West Africa 1887-1900, 1 clasp, Benin 1897 (Comdr., R.N. H.M.S. St George); Coronation 1902, silver; Khedive’s Star 1882, nearly very fine (4) £280-320

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals Formed by The Late John Cooper.

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Henry Holland Torless was born on 17 July 1858, and entered the Navy in July 1871. He served as Lieutenant of Minotaur during the Egyptian war 1882 (Medal and Bronze Star). Promoted to Commander (N) in June 1896, he was Commander of St George, Flagship of Rear-Admiral H. H. Rawson, C.B., and was present on the occasion of the bombardment and capture of the Sultan of Zanzibar’s palace on the 27th August 1896, by the Squadron of Rear-Admiral Rawson. He served in the punitive naval expedition commanded by Rear-Admiral Rawson, landed from the squadron to punish the King of Benin for the massacre of the political expedition, 1897, ending in the capture of Benin City on the 18th February 1897. For his services he was mentioned in despatches and received the General Africa Medal with Benin clasp. He was promoted to Captain on 26 June 1902.