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

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 2 clasps, Suakin 1885, Tofrek (J. Toomey, 2nd Captn. F. Top, H.M.S. Carysfort) light pitting, otherwise very fine

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

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John Toomey was born in Minster, Kent, on 2 January 1859, and first entered as a Boy 2nd Class aboard H.M.S. IMPREGNABLE on 2 November 1874 until August 1876. He subsequently served aboard SAPPHIRE (1877-79) where he was advanced to Ord in January 1877 and to A.B. on 1 December 1877, and REVENGE (1879-83). He was aboard CARYSFORT from April 1884 until January 1887, and was landed for service with the Naval Brigade, earning his Egypt medal with clasps. He was advanced to Leading Seaman in December 1884 and to Petty Officer 2nd Class (2nd Captain of the Fore Top) in May 1885. He next served aboard FORWARD (1887-91) and then joined the Coast Guard aboard BELLEISLE as a Boatman on 16 June 1891, being advanced to Commissioned Boatman on 31 October 1894. He was pensioned on 28 November 1899 with 22 years of unblemished service. His Senior Officer in the Coast Guard service never bothered to recommend him for the L.S. & G.C. medal during his last seven years of service when he was eligible.