Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Captain E. G. Rason, Royal Navy

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 1 clasp, Suakin 1884 (Lieut. E. G. Rason, R.N. H.M.S. “Ready”); Khedive’s Star 1882, both fitted with contemporary silver ribbon brooches, light pitting from star, otherwise very fine (2) £250-300

Ernest Goldfinch Rason was born on 27 July 1851, ‘youngest of Wm. Rason of Eastbourne’e three sons, all of whom have lived and died for their country.’ He joined the Navy as a Cadet in April 1865, becoming Midshipman in January 1867 and promoted to Lieutenant in October 1875. He was Lieutenant of Ready during the Egyptian War of 1882 (Egyptian Medal, Khedive’s Bronze Star); and First Lieutenant of Sphinx during the naval and military operations near Suakin, in the Eastern Sudan, in 1884 (Suakin clasp). Qualified as an Interpreter in Russian from 1887, Rason was promoted to Commander in December 1890 and Captain (Retired) in August 1898. He was appointed Resident Deputy Commissioner for the New Hebrides in March 1902, and continued to be employed by the Colonial Office until early 1910. He was recalled in November 1914, for service in the North Irish Coast Guard District, but fell ill in the following March and died at Reigate on 27 July 1915, aged 64. Sold with copy record of service. See Lot 929 for the medals awarded to one of his elder brothers.