Orders, Decorations & Medals - British Singles

Lot 5023    SESSION 18 (2.30PM FRIDAY 20TH APRIL)    Orders, Decorations & Medals - British Singles

Estimate $1,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $2,000

ARCTIC MEDAL 1857. John Downing "Erebus". Engraved. No ribbon, contact marks on reverse, otherwise very fine.

In British Polar Exploration and Research by Lieutenant Colonel Neville W.Poulsom and Rear Admiral J.A.L.Myres CB, p158 in relation to John Downing it states, 'No medal issued. One with his name on it has appeared on the market, but its provenance is unknown.'

The Ross Expedition to the Antarctic 1839-43 led by Captain James Clark Ross comprised of three voyages, 1840-41, 1841-42 and 1842-43. The ships in the expedition were HMS Erebus commanded by Captain James Clark Ross and HMS Terror commanded by Francis Crozier, each ship with a compliment of 67. Petty Officer John Downing, age 34, born at Plymouth, Devon was Quartermaster on HMS Erebus. The ships sailed from England on 30 September 1839 and used Tasmania as a starting point for the first two voyages and Falkland Islands for the last voyage. They finally arrived back at England on 4 September 1843.