Orders, Decorations & Medals - British Groups

Lot 3839    Session 15 (7.30pm Thursday)    Orders, Decorations & Medals - British Groups

Estimate $30,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au

TRIO: New Zealand War Medal 1869, (1860-1861 reverse), with ribbon buckle bar; Royal Humane Society Medal (large size for successful rescue), in bronze; another but small size in bronze and with ribbon buckle bar. W.Horn, Mate, Colonl. S. Victoria on first medal, William Horn. Acting 2d Master H.M.S. "Fawn" 5th March 1862 on reverse of second medal, William Horn, Acting 2nd Master, H.M.S.Fawn. 5, March 1862 on edge of last medal. First medal impressed, last two medals engraved. Extremely fine.

Ex Chris Thomas Collection. Previously Dix Noonan Webb, Douglas Morris Collection Sale 16 October 1996 (lot 201).

RHSM: Mr Wm Horn, Actg 2nd Master and John Howie AH, HMS "Fawn".

Edwin Perry, ap (apprentice), 5 March (1862) at the harbour Auckland accidentally fell overboard. Mr Horn jumped overboard to his relief and rescued him with the assistance of Howie, who also jumped into the sea.

A Bronze Medal was awarded to Horn and Howie received a Testimonial of Thanks on vellum.

Together with written account of service of the Naval Brigade in the New Zealand Wars including ships Victoria and Fawn; printed copies of Despatches on New Zealand War for 1859-60 (2 different), 1860-1 (2 different); photocopies of considerable correspondence dating from 1858 to 1861 and clearly written transcripts of same relating to an accident and the aftermath thereof that affected William Horn after he fell from the bridge of HMCS Victoria in 1858 while in Melbourne.

William Horn was born on 11Mar1840. Some of his posting entries from Colonial Ship Victoria include as 2nd Master from 03Jun1861 on ships, Fawn, Cumberland, Medusa, Ranger, Fisgard, Skylark, as Master from 25Jul1866 on ships, Asia, Rinaldo, as Navigator Lieutenant from 02May1868 on ships, Enterprise, Pembroke, Asia and Raleigh; Retired 26May1881 with rank of Staff Commander.

On 28Dec1858 the District Surgeon at Williamstown, Vic, reported on the condition of Horn after he fell from the bridge of HMCS Victoria whilst in the performance of his duties. At the time, Victoria had been annexed to the Police Dept Melbourne and Horn was employed as a Water Constable. He had served on board with satisfaction from Nov1855 until the accident. There is a series of letters relating to his difficulty in continuing his employment with the Water Police and obtaining a suitable alternate position with the government.

During his service in the New Zealand Wars, it is written that in what was reported to be the largest force ever assembled in New Zealand, General Pratt led 1,500 men on an armed reconnaissance on 10 September 1860 towards Huirangi. This force included the Naval Brigade and one of these companies was commanded by Midshipman William Horn of the Victoria.

In a letter dated 29Jan1861 by Commodore M. Beauchamp Seymour to His Excellency Sir Henry Barkly K.C.B., Governor of Victoria, in part reads - 'when engaged with the enemy near Kairase on the 29th Decr... The conduct of Lieutenant G.S. Woods on that day & all others while under my command has been exactly what was to have been expected from an Officer of his zeal and intelligence, & I beg to recommend him & Mr. William Horn, Mate of the "Victoria" to the favourable consideration of your Excellency's Government.'

Another letter from Commander Norman of HMCS Victoria to the Chief Secretary of Victoria recommended Horn for promotion to rank of Mate. This was approved on 04Mar1861 back dated to 06Jul1860. On 18Apr1861 Captain Norman further stated, 'Lieut. Woods and Mr Horn served with much credit on shore whilst attached to the Naval Brigade.'

With research.