Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Ashantee 1873-74, 1 clasp, Coomassie (J. W. Smith, A.B. H.M.S. Active. 73-74) toned, very fine and scarce £350-400

John William Smith was born in Ely, Cambridgeshire, on 17 June 1853, and entered the Navy on 17 June 1871. Rated as Able Seaman from 1 January 1873, he qualified as a Diver on 1 July later that same year and served in that rate aboard the Active off the west coast of Africa in 1874. He continued to serve as a naval diver aboard the Flora and Encounter until September 1875 when he was advanced to Leading Seaman. His subsequent service included a period aboard the royal yachtVictoria & Albert, October 1875 to March 1877. He was eventually invalided to hospital at Chatham with varicose veins on 8 March 1878. Sold with copy service record.