Orders, Decorations and Medals

The group of medals and decorations awarded to Rear-Admiral F.J. Foley, Royal Navy, who hoisted the British flag on the island of Trinidad and annexed it to the Crown

EGYPT 1882-89, 1 clasp, Alexandria 11th July (Lieut. R.N., H.M.S. Inflexible) some light pitting, JUBILEE 1897, silver; KHEDIVE'S STAR 1882; Norway, ORDER OF ST. OLAF, 2nd type, Knight Commander's set of insignia comprising neck badge in gold and enamels with crossed swords, enamel chipped on one arm, and breast star in silver, gilt and enamels, by Tostrup of Kristiania, together with miniature dress medals of the first three, generally very fine and better (8)

Rear-Admiral Francis John Foley was born in 1855, third son of Admiral Fitzgerald Foley. He was educated at Egypt House, West Cowes and H.M.S. Britannia, and entered the Navy in 1868. He was promoted Lieutenant, with 1st class certificates in all subjects, in 1876, and for the next four years was employed in boats on the African coast for the suppression of slave traffic. He qualified as an interpreter in Swahili, Persian and Hindusrani. As Lieutenant for Torpedo duties he was present in H.M.S. Inflexible at the bombardment of Alexandria in 1882. He was promoted Commander in 1889 and, whilst in command of H.M.S. Barracouta, hoisted the British flag on the island of Trinidad, South Atlantic, and formally annexed it to the British Crown. Foley was in command of the Gunnery School, Devonport, 1903-06, and was made Rear-Admiral of the Channel Fleet in 1907. He commanded the battleship H.M.S. London during the Channel Fleet's visit to Christiania (Oslo) on 19-22nd June, 1908, and was made a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Olaf. Admiral Foley died on 5 March, 1911.