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

Three: Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, no clasp (Mr. G. Mathias, I.G.S. “Amberwitch”); India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Burma 1885-7 (1st Gde. Officer G. L. E. Mathias, H.M.I.M.S.); Khedive’s Star 1882; together with companion miniature dress medals, all contained in a contemporary fitted hinged display stand, extremely fine (6)

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

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Guy L'Estrange Mathias was born in Riwah, India, on 18 July 1862 and trained at the ‘Worcester’ Nautical College. He served a three year Apprenticeship aboard the ship MILDRED and passed for 2nd Mate on 9 September 1880. He joined the Indian Marine as a 4th Grade Officer aboard SEMIRAMIS on 11 March 1878 and subsequently served in this rank aboard AMBERWITCH (August 1878), DALHOUSIE (October 1878), CZAREWITCH (July 1879), and DALHOUSIE (October 1879). Promoted to 3rd Grade Officer on 1 October 1879, he next served aboard AMBERWITCH (October 1881) in Egyptian waters. He was next appointed to SEMIRAMIS (August 1882), promoted to Officiating 2nd Grade Officer aboard MAY FRERE on 4 October 1882, and confirmed in the rank on 16 January 1883. He served next in this rank aboard turret ships (May 1883), and MAY FRERE (August 1883). He was transferred to the Marine Surveyor's Department as an Acting Assistant Surveyor 4th class on 4 October 1883, and confirmed as an Assistant Surveyor 4th Class on 1 April 1884.

Whilst serving on Special Duty in Burma in connection with military operations, November 1885-January 1886, he was mentioned in despatches (p.4,756 Adjutant General of India's Report) for 'Forward operations' and also mentioned in the despatch from the Adjutant General of Simla 17 May 1887. He returned to the Marine Surveyors Department in January 1886 and was promoted to 1st Grade Officer and Assistant Surveyor 3rd Class on 25 October 1889. He was promoted to Assistant Surveyor 2nd Class on 10 May 1891 and passed for Commander at Bombay on 10 July 1889. Commander Mathias died suddenly whilst at Poona from the bursting of a blood vessel when only 29 years of age.