Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Carpenter E. J. Polyblank, Royal Navy, who served in H.M.S. Melita during the military operations in connection with the re-conquest of the Sudan

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, no clasp (Carpr. E. J. Polyblank, R.N., H.M.S. Philomel.) one letter double-struck; Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, no clasp, unnamed as issued, minor edge bruise to latter, nearly extremely fine and a scarce combination (2) £300-£400

Edwin John Polyblank was born in Devonport on 16 October 1862, and joined the Royal Navy on 26 April 1887. He was advanced Carpenter’s Mate on 31 May 1895, and joined H.M.S. Melita on 26 June of that year. For his services off the Sudan coast between 30 March and 23 September 1896 he was awarded the Khedive’s Sudan Medal.

Polyblank next joined H.M.S. Philomel, in the rate of Carpenter, on 1 March 1898, and served in her in South Africa during the Boer War. He was discharged to pension as unfit for further service (defective vision) on 28 April 1910.

Amongst Royal Naval personnel the Khedive’s Sudan Medal was only awarded to the crews of H.M. Ships Melita (139) and Scout (149). Those medals awarded to the crew of Scout were named up on the initiative of the ship’s Captain, whilst those medals awarded to the crew of Melita were issued unnamed. Neither crew were entitled to the Queen’s Sudan Medal.

Sold with copied record of service and other research.