Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 1 clasp, Alexandria 11th July (Lt: Hon: P. M. Hely-Hutchinson. R.N. H.M.S. “Alexandra”) light contact marks, very fine £300-400

The Honourable Patrick Maurice Hely-Hutchison was born in Paris, 27 April 1855. He was the third son of the 4th Earl of Donoughmore of Knocklofty, and the brother of the Rt. Hon. Sir Watler Hely-Hutchison. The latter being the Governor-General and Commander in Chief of Natal and Zululand, 1893-1901.

Hely-Hutchison joined the Royal Navy as a Cadet in May 1868, and advanced to Sub-Lieutenant in April 1874. He served with H.M.S. Shah, May 1876 - October 1879, during which time he was promoted Lieutenant. Hely-Hutchison served during the Zulu War, and was present ashore as part of the Naval Brigade, 18 May - 21 July 1879. He accompanied the Etshowe Relief Column; was present at the battle of Ginghilovo; afterwards joined Crealock’s Division and advanced to Port Durnford (Mentioned in Despatches; promoted). Subsequent service included in H.M.S. Alexandra, March 1880 - September 1882, during which he was present at the bombardment of Alexandria (entitled to Khedive’s Star).

After service in South Africa and Egypt, Hely-Hutchison served in Australia as a Torpedo Officer with the Victorian Navy, 1883-88. In 1884 ‘the Victorian fleet was enlarged by the arrival of the first class torpedo boat Childers armed with four torpedoes for release over the side, using special dropping gear and two Hotchkiss guns. Lieutenant Heley Hutchison [sic] was in command of her during that October, on passage from Williamstown towards Geelong, when she struck an ‘uncharted’ rock. Childers escaped serious damage, but to this day the mysterious rock remains uncharted.’ (Deeds Not Words, The Victorian Navy, Wilson P. Evans refers)

Hely-Hutchison advanced to Commander, and died in service, 27 January 1893.