Five: Chief Engine Room Artificer M. J. Downing, Royal Navy

East and West Africa 1887-1900, 2 clasps, Benin River 1894, Brass River 1895 (153226 E.R.A., H.M.S. Widgeon); Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Persian Gulf 1909-1914 (153226 Ch. E.R.A. 1Cl., H.M.S. Fox); 1914-15 Star (153226 C.E.R.A.1, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (153226 C.E.R.A.1, R.N.) good very fine and better (5) £650-750

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Ron Tuppen Collection of Naval Medals to Engine Room Officers.

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Collection

42 ‘Benin River 1894’ clasps and 71 ‘Brass River 1895’ clasps awarded to Widgeon.

Michael Joseph Downing was born in Middleton, Cork on 29 December 1867. A Fitter by occupation, he entered the Royal Navy as an Acting Engine Room Artificer 4th Class on 30 January 1890 and was confirmed in that rank in May 1892. Served on Widgeon, September 1893-November 1896, being advanced to E.R.A. 3rd Class in November 1893 and serving in expeditions along the Benin and Brass Rivers during 1894-95. Downing was promoted to E.R.A. 2nd Class in November 1897 when on Howe. Serving on Diamond, January 1907-July 1909, he was swiftly advanced to E.R.A. 1st Class in July 1907; C.E.R.A. 2nd Class in March 1908, and C.E.R.A. 1st Class in November 1908. Served on Fox, May 1910-November 1911, seeing service in the Persian Gulf. During the Great War he served on Melbourne, September 1913-October 1914; Cerberus, October 1914-July 1915, and (H.M.A.S.) Penguin, July 1915-February 1916. He was invalided from the service on 16 February 1916 suffering from chronic alcoholism. Downing re-entered the Royal Navy as a C.E.R.A. in April 1916 and continued to serve until 15 August 1919.

With copied service papers.