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

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, no clasp (T. Norsworthy, Qr. Mr. H.M.S. Ranger) contact marks but better than very fine

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

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Thomas Norsworthy was born in Newton Abbott, Devon, on 6 March 1855. He entered the service as a Boy 2nd Class aboard H.M.S. HECTOR on 1 June 1871, and was advanced to Boy 1st Class in June 1872, prior to being paid off in December 1872.

He then served an historic Commission aboard CHALLENGER, commencing 10 December 1872 until she was paid off in June 1876, having been advanced to Ord in April 1873, and to Able Seaman during June 1875. The researches undertaken by CHALLENGER during this three year commission included deep sounding and dredging, and the scientific examination of the great ocean beds, leading to the publication of twenty volumes of findings from such travails. This special voyage and commission is well covered by words and numerous illustrations in ‘The Voyage of the Challenger’ by Eric Linklater (1972). When the crew were paid off at Chatham in 1876, only 144 remained of the 243 who had embarked in 1872, many (sixty-one men) having deserted in search of riches in the Australian gold mines and South African diamond mines.

He subsequently served aboard PENELOPE (1876-78), and ALERT (1878-82) where he was advanced to Leading Seaman in January 1879, and to Petty Officer 2nd Class in June 1880. He earned his Egypt reward aboard RANGER (18 April 1884 to 21 October 1887) where he was made a Petty Officer 1st Class. He next served aboard HUMBER (1888-90) and TRITON (1891-93) and was pensioned to shore on 6 March 1893. He joined the newly formed Royal Fleet Reserve on 15 July 1901 and was discharged from it due to age on 31 December 1903. Having lost one Good Conduct Badge he was never awarded a Long Service & Good Conduct medal.