Naval General Service 1793-1840, 1 clasp, Syria (William Rouse.) edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise better than good fine and scarce £1,200-£1,600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Simon C. Marriage Collection of Medals to the Artillery.

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Spink, September 1993.

Confirmed on the roll as a Gunner, Royal Artillery, aboard H.M.S. Hecate.

William Rouse was born at Woolwich, Kent, and enlisted there for the Royal Artillery on 10 December 1828, aged 14 years. He served abroad in Jamaica for five years, one month; in Syria for one year, five months; and at Gibraltar for six years, six months. Joining as a Drummer Boy, and under age until 1 October 1832, he advanced to Gunner & Driver on 1 November 1837. His subsequent promotions were to Bombardier on 1 April 1846; Corporal on 18 April 1848; and Sergeant on 1 January 1853. He was discharged at Woolwich on 31 March 1854, with a view to serving on the Militia Staff. At the time of discharge his name appeared four times in the Regimental Defaulters Book ‘for minor offences for which he was punished by order of the Commanding Officer. In possession of the Silver Medal and Gratuity on discharge for Good and Faithful service per General Order of 1 March 1854, also awarded the Bronze Medal by the Sultan, and the Silver Medal by Her Majesty for services in Syria.’

He subsequently joined the Suffolk Artillery Brigade Militia on 5 April 1854, and served as a Staff Sergeant for a further 24 years 264 days, until finally discharged on 25 January 1879, having served a total of 46 years 81 days.

Sold with copied discharge papers and H.M.S. Hecate muster list for Syria.