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

Three: Ashantee 1873-74, no clasp (E. L. Lang, Midn. R.N. H.M.S. Coquette. 73-74); South Africa 1877-79, no clasp (Sub. Lieut. E. L. Lang, R.N. H.M.S. Himalaya); East and West Africa 1887-1900, 1 clasp, Gambia 1894 (Lieut. E. L. Lang, R.N. H.M.S. Alecto) light contact marks, otherwise good very fine and very rare (3)

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

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When the wider geographical boundaries were introduced to cater for campaigns and punitive expeditions from 1887 onwards during “The Scramble for Africa”, the rules for award envisaged that some men might have previously earned the Ashantee 1873-74 medal. To compound proof that these later operations were not to be marked by the award of a separate additional medal, the new regulations specifically stated that officers and men “who are already in possession of the [Ashantee] medal, will receive a clasp only.” A search of all naval and marine recipients on the East and West Africa medal rolls reveals that only ten Europeans and two Kroomen had already received the Ashantee 1873-74 medal.

Edward L. Lang was born on 21 November 1853. First entered the service as a Naval Cadet on 27 August 1867 aboard H.M.S. BRITANNIA. After serving short periods aboard H.M. Ships BRISTOL for sea training (Feb-May 1869), ROYAL ADELAIDE where he was promoted to Midshipman in June 1869 and, after passing through MONARCH, ROYAL ALFRED and THALIA, he joined H.M.S. RATTLESNAKE on 16 February 1871 and was loaned to COQUETTE to participate in the land actions during the Ashantee campaign. He passed his examination for Lieutenant aboard RATTLESNAKE at Cape Coast Castle on l 7 December l 873, and was promoted to Acting Sub Lieutenant one day later prior to being paid off on 25 March l 874, when he was sent to H.M.S. EXCELLENT for his examinations in gunnery. After spending some time at the Naval College (1874-75) he elected to spend his future duty within the specialisation of “Navigating and Pilotage” from 29 July 1875, and was appointed to SEALARK (1875-76) a week later. Subsequently served aboard H.M.S. HIMALAYA (June 1877) in which vessel he received promotion to Lieutenant R.N. on 16 April 1878, gaining entitlement to the South Africa Campaign medal.

Served a full commission aboard H.M.S. MUTINE (1880-84) as her navigating officer in Pacific waters. He got married on 5 January 1886, but his wife died in 1891 leading to his remarriage on 16 October 1894. Appointed to command H.M.S. ALECTO January 1893 to serve on West Coast of Africa, where he was praised by the Commissioner of Niger Coast Protectorate (15 July 1893) for assistance on occasion of a threatened raid by the Chief of Fishtown.

Took part in expedition up the Gambia River during February and March 1894, when a Naval Brigade was sent ashore under the command of Commander Charles GravesSawle, R.N. This shore party consisted of three companies of seamen and one of marines, a Torpedo and Medical party with assistance from a miscellaneous group looking after ammunition, water and provisions.

In the “General Memorandum” issued by Admiral F. G. D. Bedford on 5 March 1894, the landing was to be effected under Lang's charge, with his rank being referred to in the London Gazette as a “Lieutenant and Commander”. It was his responsibility to make all these arrangements in detail. All the various Commanding Officers were ordered to confer with him with regard to receiving the surf and canoe boats for proceeding to shore. Each Barra canoe could carry twenty fully equipped men. He also superintended the landing and re-embarking of not only the Naval Brigade and but also two companies of the 1st West India Regiment at Bathurst.

On 10 March l 894 Admiral Bedford informed the Admiralty that: “I placed the arrangements for landing and embarking the men in the hands of Lieutenant and Commander E. L. Lang of ALECTO, and I am pleased to bring to their Lordships’ notice the very thorough and satisfactory manner in which he carried out this duty.” He was promoted to Commander on 26 May 1894 for operations against the rebellious slave trading Chief, Fodi Silah, up the Gambia River (London Gazette 4 May 1894).

He completed his last years in the service in the Coast Guard. Placed on Retired List 6 July 1903 as a Captain R.N., and died on 17 December 1923.