Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Chief Shipwright C. W. Down, Royal Navy, later attached Royal Air Force

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 2 clasps, Alexandria 11th July, Suakin 1884 (C. W. Down. Carprs. Crew: H.M.S. “Hecla”.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension, impressed naming (Chas. Wm. Down, Carprs. Mate, H.M.S. Indus); Khedive’s Star 1882, unnamed as issued, small drill hole in bottom point of Star, contact marks and light pitting, very fine (3) £260-£300

Charles William Down was born in Devonport on 7 February 1860 and entered naval service as Carpenter’s Crew on 15 December 1880. Advanced Carpenter’s Mate on 26 November 1890, he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 29 December 1890, and was promoted Chief Carpenter’s Mate on 16 December 1892. He was shore pensioned in December 1900, but was recalled for service in the Great War, as Chief Shipwright, and served in various shore based establishments, including the Royal Naval Air Service Training Establishment at Cranwell, whilst borne on the books of H.M.S. Daedalus from April 1916 to 31 March 1918. He was attached to the Royal Air Force from 1 April 1918, whilst approaching his 60th year.