East and West Africa 1887-1900, 1 clasp, 1891-2 (W. J. Sparkes, A.B., H.M.S. Racer), edge nicks and somewhat polished, nearly very fine
£200-250

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals formed by The Late John Hillard.

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William John Sparkes was born in Devonport in July 1865 and entered the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in January 1881. Advanced to Able Seaman during the course of his subsequent service aboard H.M.S. Racer from April 1891 until September 1892, he served in the Naval Brigade landed in the Gambia for a punitive expedition against Chief Fodeh Cabbah and qualified for the above described Medal & clasp - one of 89 such awards to H.M.S. Racer. Sparkes was discharged ashore ‘time expired’ in July 1893.