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

Africa General Service 1902-56, 2 clasps, Aro 1901-1902, S. Nigeria 1903 (Lieut. A. B. Crosse, R.N.R.) high relief bust; British War Medal (Commr. A. B. Crosse, R.N.R.); Royal Naval Reserve Decoration, E.VII.R., very fine (3)

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

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Whilst serving in the Mercantile Marine Arthur Crosse joined the Royal Navy Reserve as a Midshipman on 29 December 1885. On obtaining his 2nd and 1st Mates Certificates he was promoted to Sub Lieutenant R.N.R. on 29 December 1891 and completed 12 months training with the Royal Navy obtaining Certificates for satisfactorily completing short courses on Gunnery and Torpedo at H.M.S. EXCELLENT. Whilst serving with the Marine Department of the Southern Nigerian Protectorate he was promoted to Lieutenant R.N.R. on 5 November 1903, and took part in the operations against the Aro Tribe November 1901-March 1902. It is believed that he later took part in the operations on the Nun River in September and October 1903, and received the clasp ‘S. Nigeria 1903’, although this has not yet been confirmed on the medal rolls. He retired from the Royal Navy Reserve after 23 years service with the rank of Commander on 24 August 1909 and was awarded the Reserve Decoration in 1910. He was recalled for war service in 1915 and served with the Nigerian Marine for which he received the British War Medal. For an act of Gallantry in January 1896 he was awarded the Silver Board of Trade Life Saving Medal.