Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension, engraved naming (George J. Watkins Bos. Mate H.M.S. Triumph.) nearly extremely fine £140-£180

George James Watkins was born at Devonport, Devon, on 25 March 1845, and entered the Navy as an Officer’s Servant aboard H.M.S. Indus on 28 August 1863. He joined Constance as an Ordinary Seaman 2nd Class in May 1865, becoming Able Seaman in November 1866. In this rate he joined St George in December 1868, Achilles in July 1869, Royal Adelaide in June 1871, and Pallas in April 1872, advancing to Leading Seaman in May 1872, and to Captain of the Mizzen Top in January 1875. He next joined Volage in May 1875, followed by Duke of Wellington for just four days in June 1875 and to Royal Adelaide on 23 June, advancing to Captain of the Fore Top in September 1875. He served as a Petty Officer 1st Class aboard Triumph from September 1876 to April 1877, when he briefly joined Iron Duke before moving to Belleisle and Coast Guard service at Larne in May 1877. He became a Commissioned Boatman in May 1883 and transferred to Eastferry in August 1883, where he remained until Shore Pensioned on 19 September 1885.