Description
Transport Medal, EVII, bar S. Africa 1899-1902, H. Lockyer, 3rd Officer on board the Hospital Ship Spartan during the Boer War.
A rare award for Merchant Navy who helped the troops during the Second Boer War.
Officially impressed: “H. Lockyer.”
The Merchant Navy Crew Lists for the period record the only active seaman of this name, Harry Lockyer, from Newport circa 1874, shown as an A.B. around 1892-4.
The S.S. Spartan, was an Iron Screw Steamer built in 1881, during October 1899 it was requisitioned by the Admiralty at Southampton and was converted into a Hospital Ship.
Whilst there were a large number of civilian ships which were requisitioned, only a small number were used as dedicated Hospital Ships, the Spartan and the Trojan were the very first ships to be fitted out as Hospital Ships for the war.
British medical Journal, 14th October 1899:
“The Spartan was fitted with 3 sick wards on the main deck containing some 60 swinging cots with special cost being provided for officers. Electric lamps, stationary and portable along with electric fans have been provided. An operating ward and Roentgen apparatus have also been provided. Lifts will also be used for lowering or hoisting the sick to the wards. The vessel can work refrigerating machinery to make ice sufficient for requirements.”
