Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 1 clasp, Alexandria 11th July (W. McFarland. 2nd. Cap: M. Top H.M.S. “Monarch.”) light pitting, very fine £180-£220

Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, June 2007.

William McFarland was born in Bright, Co. Down, on 18 March 1857. He entered the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in December 1872. He was promoted to Boy 1st Class on the Ganges in January 1874, Ordinary Seaman on the Victor Emmanuel in April 1875, Able Seaman on the same ship in January 1877, and Petty Officer 2nd Class on board the Minotaur in August 1881. He served on the Monarch, January 1882-March 1885, being ranked as Captain of the Main Top. He served aboard the Monarch during the bombardment of Alexandria, 11 July 1882. Petty Officer McFarlane began service aboard his last ship, the Comus, on 12 June 1886.

On 18 September 1887 McFarland suffered a fatal accident aboard ship. The report states: ‘While housing Fore Top Gallant Mast - the lid fell through lanyard carrying away, and struck McFarland on the head - he then fell from the Topsail yard on to Bill board - thence overboard and was lost’.

Sold with copied service papers, extract from rolls confirming clasp and list of ships involved in operations in Egypt.