About the product

East West Africa Benin 1897 HMS Theseus

East and West Africa Medal, bar Benin 1897, E.J. Smith, Shipwright, HMS Theseus, Royal Navy. With copy service papers.

Out of stock

SKU: J6679 Category:
Origin: United Kingdom
Nearly Extremely Fine

Description

East and West Africa Medal, bar Benin 1897, E.J. Smith, Shipwright, HMS Theseus, Royal Navy. With copy service papers.

 

Toned condition and barely worn likely due to being invalided out of service shortly after the campaign and soon after died.

 

Edward John Thomas Smith was born on 28th August 1870 in Falmouth, Cornwall.

 

A civilian Shipwright by occupation, he attested for service with the royal navy as a Shipwright at HMS Vivid II on 22nd July 1895. Service number 340786.

 

After a short time at Pembroke II, he embarked on his first ship posting with HMS Theseus, where he saw service in the Benin campaign on board from 14th January 1896 until 9th July 1897.
During this time he was promoted to Leading Shipwright on 8th July 1897.

 

He then served on HMS Victorious from 9th July 1897, becoming Carpenter’s Mate on 1st May 1900. Serving on board until 15th May 1900.
Then to HMS Revenge from 16th May 1900 to 22nd June 1900.
Then HMS Vivid II from 23rd June 1900 until 31st October 1900.
HMS Lion 1st November 1900 to 4th April 1901, when he was invalided out of service.

 

He died shortly afterwards at Devonport aged 30 during 1902.