Description
Ashantee Medal, edge dated 1873-4, George Godfrey, Private, Royal Marines, HMS Himalaya, long serving Marine who served a full 21 years.
Officially engraved as issued: “G. Godfrey, Pte R.M. H.M.S. Himalaya 73-74”
Confirmed on the medal roll, with copy service file from the National Archives and extracts from the ships pay books for this period.
George saw long service during his career with the Royal Marines, joining up in 1859, he did a full term of 21 years leaving the service during 1880 with this Ashantee medal and the Naval Long Service & Good Conduct Medal for having exemplary service.
George was born on 25th September 1840 in Lambeth, London, Surrey.
It was at Westminster on 29th July 1859, when an 18 year and 10 months old George signed on with the Royal Marines for 12 years, claiming a tempting bounty of £5 and a free kit.
He was finally discharged on 6th August 1880, on completion of his service of 21 years 8 days.
“Discharged for Length of Service
In possession of 5 Good Conduct Badges, the last granted on 30th July 1880 – Is in possession of the Ashantee War Medal, and LS & GC Medal, he is recommended for a gratuity of five pounds £5.
Out of 21 years, a significant portion of it was spent out at sea or attached to a ships.
He spent 16 years 38 days afloat.
Each and every ship he served on rated him as “Very Good” or “Exemplary”, without a single blemish on his fine record.
It was additionally noted the was also rated as “Good” in his Gunnery Ability and “Very Good” in Small Arm Drills.
Starting off on HMS Formidable from 1861 – Jan 1862.
He joined HMS Resistance for his first proper ships duty serving on baord from 5th July 162 until 13th June 1867.
He then served on HMS Pylades from 13th December 1867 until 25th July 1871.
After some time on HMS Orontes during 1871, he joined HMS Simoon and then HMS Himalaya.
He was on the Himalaya for 1 years 347 days during this time he took part in the Anglo-Ashanti War of 1873-4 earning this medal.
Following on from the Himalaya, he spent 92 days and another 1 year 273 days on board HMS Duncan.
Followed by 1 year 342 days on HMS Euryalus, with his last post being 75 days on HMS Spartan.
After being discharged he returned home to St George Hannover Square, London.
He lived there in 1881 with his wife Ellen (Born 1847 in Devonport), who he looks to have met during his Navy Service by the seaside. Along with his daughter also named Ellen, (Born 1867, Devonport).
He was working as a Labourer in an Army Clothing Store, where his wife also worked as a “Tailoress” in “Army Clothing Store”.
