Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension, engraved naming (Wm. Plush. Grs. Mte. H.M.S. Audacious.) very fine £140-£180

William Plush was born in Hammersmith, London, on 21 January 1846, and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class aboard Victory on 10 March 1860. He joined Marlborough in March 1861, being advanced to Boy 1st Class in April 1862, when he was noted for his ‘activity & intelligence’, and Ordinary Seaman in January 1864. He joined Niger in December 1864, becoming Able Seaman in July 1865, to Excellent in December 1868, and Repulse in March 1870, advancing to Leading Seaman in November 1870, and to Captain of the Mizzen Top in November 1871. He next joined Favorite in March 1872, was advanced to Captain of the Foretop in May 1872, and joined Excellent, becoming Petty Officer 1st Class in January 1873. He joined Audacious in August 1874, was recommended for his L.S. & G.C. medal on 22 March 1875, and finally joined Excellent in February 1879, advancing to Acting Chief Petty Officer in March 1880, and confirmed in that rate in March 1881.