Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria to coincide with the OMRS Convention

Ashantee 1873-74, 1 clasp, Coomassie (J. W. Smith, A.B., H.M.S. Active, 73-74) edge bruising, very fine £180-220

John William Smith was born in Ely, Cambridgeshire in June 1853 and entered the Royal Navy as an Able Seaman in January 1873. Joining H.M.S. Encounter as a Diver in August of the same year, he transferred to the Active in the same rate in January 1874 and participated in the Ashantee operations, including the capture of Coomassie. He was finally invalided from the Service in March 1878, having enjoyed a stint of service aboard the royal yacht Victoria and Albert between October 1875 and March 1877.