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

June 1861 (J. Dukes, Qr. Mr. H.M.S. Esk. 20 Ys.) nearly very fine

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

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John Duke was born in Wandsworth, Surrey on 14 January 1816. He joined the Royal Navy as an Ordinary Seaman aboard H.M.S. OCEAN in August 1839 being advanced to Able Seaman on 25 September 1840. In this rate he subsequently served aboard HOWE (October 1840), PENELOPE (December 1843) and SIDON (September 1846) being advanced to Quartermaster on 7 May 1848. He next joined CASTOR (May 1849) in his previous rate of Able seaman. Service in this vessel during the period 1849-1853 gained him entitlement to the South Africa 1853 Medal. As an Able Seaman he next served aboard AMPHION (May 1853) and was advanced to Leading Seaman on 1 June 1856. Service aboard AMPHION during 1854-55 earned him entitlement to the Baltic Medal. On joining BANN (August 1857) he was rated Captain of the Mast and next served aboard SEVEN (April 1857) in the rate of Quartermaster and then transferred in this rate to ESK (August 1858). During service in the latter vessel in Chinese waters he qualified for the 2nd China Medal without clasp. Continued to serve aboard ESK until pensioned to shore with his L.S. & G.C. medal on 25 June 1861 with just under 21 years of service.