The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals (Part 2)

Ashantee 1873-74, clasp, Coomassie (R. Whitefield, Lg. Seamn. H.M.S. Active. 73-74) some contact marks and edge bruises, therefore nearly very fine

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

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Robert Whitefield was born at Portsmouth on 6 October 1850, and joined the service aboard H.M.S. VICTORIA as Boy 2nd Class in April 1865. He served subsequently aboard H.M.S. CHALLENGER during 1867-68, some 4 years prior to her pioneering voyage which introduced the science of Oceanography. Joined H.M.S. ACTIVE in October 1873 as an A.B. and a month later was advanced to Leading Seaman, but was soon drafted (29 March 1874) to H.M.S. DUKE OF WELLINGTON, losing one good conduct badge in May 1874 for some unknown misdemeanour. Became a Captain's Coxswain (P.O.) aboard H.M.S. DEFENCE in 1876, continuing to serve as a Petty Officer First Class until pensioned on 11 December 1888. He was however destined to serve in uniform as an A.B. (Pensioner) for another 17 years, borne on the books of H.M.S. ASIA for duties with the instructional staff based on Southsea Battery. He was finally pensioned on 30 April 1905 in his 55th year, having served 40 years.

This medal is his original medal with engraved edge details, and not the duplicate award supplied on 9 October 1913, which would have been issued with impressed edge details.