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

Ashantee 1873-74, clasp, Coomassie (J. Allen, Ord., H.M.S. Argus. 73-74) small edge bruise and light contact marks, very fine and scarce

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

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James Allen was born on 17 October 1854 at Greenwich, Kent. He joined the service as a Boy 2nd Class aboard H.M.S. FAVOURITE on 20 October 1870, subsequently drafted directly as an "Ord" to H.M.S. ARGUS for four years commencing in March 1873, receiving advancement to A.B. in May 1874, to Leading Seaman in September 1876, and achieved Petty Officer status in December 1876. He signed on for a further ten years service as a Captain of Main Top aboard H.M.S. EXCELLENT in 1882, but received promotion to Acting Gunner R.N. on 30 January 1884. Continued his service aboard SWIFT (1884-88), VULCAN (1893 until 24 April 1894 when he was dismissed his ship by sentence of Court Martial losing also 2 years seniority), HIBERNIA (1897-1901) and TRAFALGAR (1901-02).

He was pensioned on 27 April 1904, and recalled in the rank of Chief Gunner on 22 March 1915, serving on "Patrol Duties" on the books of H.M.S. VERNON (1917-18). By sentence of Court Martial aboard H.M.S. REDOUBTABLE he was dismissed his ship and forfeited one year's seniority. He was demobilised on 1 April 1919, having gained entitlement to the British War Medal, and died from a cerebral haemorrhage on 9 February 1928.