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

East and West Africa 1887-1900, 1 clasp, Gambia 1894 (R. Crawford, Car. Mte., H.M.S. Alecto) edge bruises, otherwise very fine

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

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Robert Crawford was born in Partick, Lanarkshire on 12 June 1855. He earned his living as a carpenter before joining the service as a member of the Carpenter's Crew aboard H.M.S. INDUS on 28 February 1879. In this rate he served aboard the following ships: NORTHUMBERLAND (October 1879), INDUS (March 1882), HEROINE (September 1882), INDUS (October 1882), THALIA (December 1882), CURACOA (March 1883), INDUS (July 1886), IMPREGNABLE (October 1886) and INDUS (January 1888). Whilst serving in the latter ship he was advanced to Shipwright on 16 January 1888. He served in this rate aboard REINDEER (February 1888), GARNET (January 1889), ASIA (March 1889), and INDUS (April 1889). Advancing to Carpenter's Mate on 9 May 1889 he subsequently served aboard the following ships and shore establishments: NEPTUNE (June 1889), INDUS (September 1891), RALEIGH (October 1891), PENELOPE (September 1892), MAGPIE (June 1893), PENELOPE (July 1893), and RALEIGH (September 1893). Whilst in the latter ship he was loaned to ALECTO in which ship he landed for service on shore in the Gambia expedition. He next joined VIVID II (February 1895), MELAMPUS (April 1895), COAST GUARD, Kingstown (May 1895), VIVID II (September 1896), SHARPSHOOTER (January 1897), BENBOW (June 1897), VIVID II (November 1897), MAGNIFICENT (January 1898), and VIVID II (October 1898). He was pensioned ashore on 31 March 1899 having completed 20 years service, but a number of character ratings of ‘fair’ and ‘good’ spoiled his chances of receiving his L.S. & G.C. medal.