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

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, El-Teb-Tamaai (J. H. Bassett, Coxn. 1 Cl. H.M.S. Briton) some very light pitting, otherwise good very fine

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

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John Bassett was born in Liskeard, Cornwall, on 16 July 1855. He entered the service as a Boy 2nd Class aboard H.M.S. VALOROUS on 1 April 1871, and was advanced to Boy 1st Class during April 1872 and to Ord 2nd Class in July 1873, prior to being paid-off in September 1873. He subsequently served aboard SWIFTSURE (1875-78) where he was advanced to A.B. during November 1875, CAMBRIDGE (1878-80), BRITON (29 March 1881 to 30 April 1884) where he was advanced to Leading Seaman in March 1883, and direct to Petty Officer 1st Class during March 1884. His next vessels were DEFIANCE (1886-88) and SUPERB (1893-94). He was advanced to Acting Chief Petty Officer aboard DEFIANCE on 21 June 1892 and confirmed a year later. He served next aboard KATOOMBA (May 1894 to April 1896) where he earned his L.S. & G.C. award on 28 October 1895, slightly late since he had lost one Good Conduct Badge during 1876 and 1877. He was, however, disrated to Petty Officer 1st Class for incompetence on 20 August 1895, and remained in that rate when pensioned on 15 July 1898 with 27 years service in uniform.