Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Captain R. F. Ayscough Smith, Royal Navy

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, undated reverse, 1 clasp, Gemaizah 1888 (Lieut. R. F. A. Smith. R.N. H.M.S. Racer.); Khedive’s Star, undated, unnamed as issued; British War Medal 1914-20 (Commr. R. F. Ayscough. R.N.) mounted as worn in this order, good very fine (3) £500-£700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Egypt Medals to the Royal Navy.

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Approximately 121 Gemaizah 1888 clasps awarded to H.M.S. Racer, out of a total of just 194 awards to the entire Royal Navy.

Ralph Fearon Ayscough Smith was born in Tinbury, Worcestershire, on 6 May 1861, and was appointed Midshipman on 21 October 1876. He was commissioned Acting Surgeon on 21 October 1880, and joined the Royal Naval College in November of that year. He was promoted Lieutenant on 31 December 1884, and served in H.M.S. Racer from 9 April 1888 to 20 May 1889, being present as part of the Naval Brigade that landed at Suakin and took part in the action at Gemaizah on 20 December 1888

Smith changed his name by deed poll to Ayscough on 30 May 1890, and was placed on the Retired List with the rank of Commander on 6 May 1906. He served during the Great War as a Naval Transport Officer at Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Blyth (in charge), before reverting back to the Retired List on 7 June 1919. For ‘services rendered during the Great War’ he was promoted to the rank of Captain (Retired), back-dated to 11 November 1918.

Sold with copied service papers and medal roll extract.