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

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 3 clasps, Alexandria 11th July, Suakin 1884, Suakin 1885 (J. C. Mitchell, Cooks Mte. 1/Cl. H.M.S. “Penelope”) some very light pitting, otherwise good very fine and rare

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

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John Mitchell was born at Portsea, Hants, on 23 May 1855, and entered the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class aboard ST VINCENT on 8 November 1871, until January 1873. Whilst aboard DUKE OF WELLINGTON he changed his branch, being made a Cook's Mate 1st Class on 5 July 1875, and subsequently served on board IMPREGNABLE (1875-77), MONARCH (1878-82), and PENELOPE (April 1882 to January 1883). During service in the latter vessel he took part in the bombardment of Alexandria in July 1882. He next joined SPHINX (1883 to March 1887) and was landed from this ship for service with the Naval Brigade and thus earned a further two campaign clasps. He next joined NORTHUMBERLAND (1887-89), COLLINGWOOD (1889-92) as Chief Cook since 1 July 1889, and DREADNOUGHT (1892-94) and was pensioned to shore on 19 December 1894. He was disrated to Ship's Cook in January 1892, and although he regained the rate of Chief Cook in May 1893, he lost his opportunity of receiving a Long Service & Good Conduct Medal.