TOPIC:

There was some strong bidding on Petty Officer H. J. J. Haisom's medals last night with a hammer price of GBP1,600.

Just curious as to why it was in demand? Was it the number of clasps or ship? Just interested to know why; any thoughts?

Sturgy wrote: There was some strong bidding on Petty Officer H. J. J. Haisom's medals last night with a hammer price of GBP1,600.

Just curious as to why it was in demand? Was it the number of clasps or ship? Just interested to know why; any thoughts?

Hi Sturgy

Possibly a mix of both, HMS Philomel had a very impressive record. Serving in the ABW, WW1 and then re- commissioned to the New Zealand Navy for WW2 service. The QSA clasps are interesting to a Naval Petty Officer. His service record is also comprehensive .Also, a possible family member of Mr Haisom may have been involved in the bidding.


Regards

Dave....
PS
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Philomel_(1890)
Brief overview of HMS Philomel courtesy of Wikipedia.
A mention of the naval guns being used at Colenso.

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the reply; yes I think you are correct that it may have been a combination of factors.

After I posted this query I had a look at my copy of "The Queens South Africa Medal to The Royal Navy and The Royal Marines" by W.H. Fevyer and J.W. Wilson and the images below is courtesy of their book of 1983:



They certainly had an impressive record given that 24 medals issued with 5 bars (clasps), with 1 in circulation with 6 bars; a large number were also presented by the HM The King.



Finally it looks like there are only 144 QSA's ever issued to the Royal Navy/Marines with 5 bars, some returned, of which HMS Philomel was issued with 24 of them (17%).

So you are right; definitely a combination of factors.

Regards,
Sturgy

Pictures courtesy of Noonan's

QSA (5) Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (G. J. Davies [sic] A.B., H.M.S. Philomel.);
1914-15 Star (191397. G. J. Davis. P.O., R.N.);
British War and Victory Medals (191397 G. J. Davis. Act. C.P.O. R.N.);
Royal Navy LS&GC GV (191397 G. J. Davis. P.O. H.M.S. Foresight.)

Together with a miniature ‘Jutland Medal’ in silver; and the recipient’s silver fob medallion, the obverse with the initials ‘GD’, the reverse engraved ‘G. Davis’.

George John Davis was born in Westleton, Suffolk, on 27 June 1881 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 8 November 1896. He served in HMS Philomel from 1 December 1898 to 22 March 1902, and was advanced Able Seaman on 1 January 1900. Advanced Petty Officer First Class on 1 March 1909, he served in HMS Foresight from 7 January 1914 to 28 April 1918, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 7 July 1914. Advanced Chief Petty Officer on 15 December 1918, he was shore pensioned on 9 July 1921.