Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Commissioned Boatman H. Sobey, H.M. Coastguard, late Leading Seaman, Royal Navy

South Africa 1834-53 (H. Sobeg [sic]. Ordinary.); India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Pegu (Henry. Sobey. Ordy. “Styx”); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension (Henry Sobey. Comd. Boatn. H.M. Coast Guard) impressed naming, good very fine (3) £600-£800

Henry Sobey was born in Tamerton Foliot, Devon in August 1832. He served in the 6 gun steam sloop Styx from 3 April 1851 to 9 April 1856, initially at the Cape of Good Hope during the Kaffir War of 1850-53 under Commander William King Hall, thus qualifying for the South Africa 1834-53 medal and latterly in the East Indies where his service qualified him for the India General Service Medal. Gordon states 136 South Africa 1834-53 medals and 153 India General Service (Pegu) medals were issued to H.M.S. Styx.

Sobey next saw service aboard Centurion from 19 May 1856 to 7 December 1859 and on 20 January 1860 he volunteered in the rate of Leading Seaman for a further 10 years service remaining aboard Centurion initially. On 20 January 1870, while in the rate of Boatman, H.M. Coast Guard (borne on the books of the District Ship ‘Hector’), he engaged to serve a further period of 10 years to complete time for Pension provided his services should be so required. He received his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal as a Commissioned Boatman and then was finally pensioned ashore in August 1879. He is further recorded as having served aboard the Merchant Ship, Nubian, in 1881.

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