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

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Chin-Lushai 1889-90 (Mr C. V. Grimstone, H.M’s.I.M. Bhamo) extremely fine

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

View
Collection

Claude Grimstone was born on 18 August 1866 in Yearton, Hardle, and was educated aboard the ‘Worcester’ Nautical College. He served as an apprentice and later 4th Mate on board the SOUTH AUSTRALIAN belonging to Messrs Devitt & Moore. He passed his examination for a 2nd Mates Certificate at Southampton on 5 June 1887. He joined the Indian Marine as a 3rd Grade Officer on 21 September 1887, and served aboard CANNING (November 1887), ENTERPRISE (September 1889), and IRRAWADDY (September 1889). Whilst in the latter vessel he was loaned to BHAMO and took part in the military operations against the Chin and Lushai Tribes, being promoted to 2nd Grade Officer on 4 April 1890 and given temporary Command of BHAMO. His service record carries the following notation:

‘The Officer Commanding 4th Battalion Kings Royal Rifles in a letter dated 17 April 1891, addressed to the Assistant Adjutant General Myonoyan District, requested that Officer to bring to the notice of the General Officer Commanding Burma, the admirable manner in which Mr Grimstone whilst in Command of the BHAMO brought the Battalion from Pakoko to Kendat during the Manipur Expedition. The Brigadier General Commanding the Junimu Column concurred.’

Grimstone rejoined the IRRAWADDY (April 1891) as a 2nd Grade Officer and served next aboard MAYO (May 1891), and CLIVE (November 1891). He was promoted to the recently introduced rank of Sub Lieutenant on 2 September 1893. He next served aboard the WARREN HASTINGS (January 1894) having received promotion to Lieutenant on 1 January 1894, and DALHOUSIE (September 1896). He died suddenly (cause not stated) at Mandalay on 28 May 1897 when aged only 30 years.