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SAGS (0) (F. G. Eyre, Midsn. R.N, H.M.S. “Boadicea”);
British War and Victory Medals with MID (R. Adml. F. G. Eyre.);
Jubilee 1897, silver;
Coronation 1911;
Italy, Kingdom, Order of the Crown, 3rd Class neck badge, gold and enamels, in its Cravanzola, Roma, fitted case of issue,

Francis George Eyre was born at Marylebone, Middlesex on 4 February 1864, the son of the Rev. Charles Eyre, onetime Rector of Great Melton, Norfolk; his elder brother, Cresswell, also enjoyed a distinguished naval career. Young Francis entered the Royal Navy as a Cadet in Britannia in July 1876 and, on passing out, joined the steam corvette H.M.S. Boadicea on the Cape of Good Hope and West Africa Station. It was during this seagoing commission that he was appointed Midshipman and present in operations in the Zulu War.

Following his promotion to Sub. Lieutenant in early 1883, Eyre attended a gunnery course at Excellent before joining the Albatross on the China Station, where he was advanced to Lieutenant in April 1886. Over the coming decade or so, besides several seagoing appointments, he attended numerous courses and gained 1st Class Certificates in Seamanship, Torpedo and Pilotage, in addition to Gunnery. He also gained steady promotion, being appointed Commander in June 1898 and Captain in June 1903, when he took command of the cruiser Venus in the Mediterranean.

In November 1905, Venus was part of a British Squadron that was ordered to be present at Genoa for the opening of the new harbour by the Italian King and Queen. In the course of the latter’s visit to the British flagship Goliath, the steamboat of the Italian ship Garibaldi was involved in an accident and received assistance from the Royal Navy. For these services the King of Italy bestowed decorations on selected officers and men of the British ships present, and Eyre was appointed a Commander of the Order of the Crown.

On returning home, he was appointed Chief Inspector of Naval Ordnance in January 1911, in which post he was advanced to Rear-Admiral and remained employed until July 1914. As there were very few commands for Flag Officers on the outbreak of war, Eyre characteristically offered his services in any capacity in which they might be of use. Thus, in July 1915, he was granted pay and allowances for ‘Special Service’ in connection with the manufacture of poison gases. His next appointment was for duties with the Transport Service, and he was employed in this capacity in the Mediterranean until early 1916.

Promoted to Vice-Admiral in October 1918, Eyre was placed on the Retired List at his own request in February 1919. Having then been advancement to Admiral (Retired), he died in January 1941, aged 77.

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SAGS (0) (Lieut: J. Masterman, R.N, H.M.S. “Boadicea”)

John Masterman entered the Navy in 1861, reaching the rank of Lieutenant in 1872. He was Lieutenant of the Boadicea during the Zulu War of 1879, obtaining mention in despatches and receiving the medal. ‘Following the tragic death at the hands of the Zulus of Prince Louis Bonaparte, the then Lieutenant Masterman was given the Honour of commanding Her Majesty’s Ship Boadicea in transporting the Body of the late Prince on its final voyage. The command was authorized by the Admiralty on the grounds that Lieutenant Masterman was known to be a trusted and personal friend of the late Prince, and that such an appointment seemed only fitting. Full official command of the Boadicea was given to the promoted Commander Masterman some two years later...’

The following Sailing Orders were issued to ‘John Masterman Esquire Lieutenant and Commanding officer H.M. Ship “Boadicea” by Frederick William Richards, Commodore of the Second Class and Senior Officer of H.M. Ships and Vessels employed on the Cape of Good Hope and West Coast of Africa, dated on board the Boadicea off Natal, 9 June 1879:

‘Her Majesty’s Ship “Boadicea” in your charge being in all respects ready and the remains of the late Prince Louis Napoleon Bonaparte having been received on board, it is my direction that you put to sea in her and proceed under steam to Simons Bay, reporting yourself to the Senior Officer at that port from whom you will receive instructions for your future guidance.
You will take every possible precaution that the remains of the Prince are carefully with all proper respect, conducted to their destination.
You are to complete with Coal and Provisions at Simosn Bay after which General leave may be given.
You will use the utmost caution and vigilance for ensuring the safe navigation of the ship on the passage.’

The medal is accompanied by the following original documents:

a. Nomination for a Naval Cadetship, 5 March 1861.
b. Commission as Sub Lieutenant, 1 May 1868.
c. Commission as Lieutenant, 2 September 1872.
d. Sailing Orders issued 9 June 1879, as quoted above.
e. Appointment as Acting Commander of H.M. Ship Boadicea, 3 March 1881.
f. Commission as Commander, 30 June 1888.
g. Appointment as additional Commander of H.M. Ship Melampus for Service in Coast Guard at Donaghadee, 21 July 1894.
h. Appointment as Retired Captain on the Retired List, 26 May 1897.