Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 1 clasp, Alexandria 11th July (C. J. Lodge, A.B., H.M.S. Condor) contact marks, nearly very fine £150-200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals formed by the late David Dixon.

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The small gunvessel Condor (Lord Charles Beresford) played a distinguished part early in the bombardment of Alexandria when she engaged the Marabout Fort without support, and diverted the enemy’s fire away from the ships that were engaging Fort Mex. Admiral Seymour was moved to send the signal “Well done Condor”.

Charles John Lodge was born in Paddington, Middlesex on 8 January 1860. He enlisted into the Royal Navy in January 1875. He served on the Condor, firstly as an Ordinary Seaman and as an Able Seaman from 7 August 1880 to 27 December 1883. Able Seaman Lodge accidently died on 30 August 1888 when on leave from his ship H.M.S. Excellent. The fatal accident occured near the Metropolitan Railway arch at Brondesbury. He and a companion were riding a tricycle, when he turned the handle of the machine the wrong way, causing a spill. Lodge unfortunately fell under the wheels of a passing omnibus, which went over his stomach. Conveyed to St. Mary’s Hospital, he was found to be dead on arrival. Sold with certified copies of birth and death, copied extract from The Times concerning the accident and copied service details.