The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals (Part 1)

China 1857-60, 3 clasps, Fatshan 1857, Canton 1857, Taku Forts 1858 (Lieut. G. Rae, H.M.S. Esk) contemporary engraved naming, very fine

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals.

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Arthur George Robertson Roe (note surname misspelled on medal) joined the service as a Naval Cadet in March 1850 aboard H.M.S. FISGARD, passing speedily into IMPREGNABLE then CONFLICT prior to joining THETIS in October 1850, where he was promoted to Midshipman on 9 March 1852. He next served a commission aboard NILE (1854-56) prior to joining ESK in March 1856. He was specially promoted to Acting Lieutenant on 26 February 1858 “for participation at the Capture of Canton, a date to be confirmed on passing for the rank of Lieutenant at R.N. College, Greenwich” (London Gazette 26 February 1858). He was confirmed as a Lieutenant on 26 May 1858.

He was appointed to EURYALUS in February 1862 and served aboard until 16 August 1863, when he was promoted Commander, previously serving as Flag Lieutenant to Vice Admiral Sir August L. Kuper, under whom he was present at Kagoshima, August 1863. With his new rank he was appointed to command H.M.S. Coquette, and in the following year took part in the actions in Simono Seki Straits for which he was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 18 November 1864): “In the Straits of Simono Seki the COQUETTE, towards the close of the engagement [on 5 September], was withdrawn from her position with the flanking squadron, and sent to assist the foremost of the advanced corvette squadron, a service which Commander A. G. R. Roe performed with great promptness.”

Roe received promotion to Captain in February 1869 and spent six years ashore on Half Pay. He was given the command of H.M.S. DRUID from February 1874 until December 1876, and that of Ascension Island from November 1878 until October 1882 when he was placed on Half Pay and never employed again. Captain Roe died on 3 October 1885.