Lot 10
Benin 1897, Great War Pair of Medals awarded to Private Edward Ernest Ford, H.M.S. St George, Royal Marine Light Infantry
Military Medals, Decorations and Orders On Land, at Sea, in the Air | E114
Auction: 7 September 2023 at 10:00 BST
Description
Participated in the shortest recorded war in history- the Anglo-Zanzibar War
A Benin 1897, Great War Pair of Medals awarded to Private Edward Ernest Ford, H.M.S. St George, Royal Marine Light Infantry, who took part in the Bombardment of the Sultan’s Palace in Zanzibar on the 27th of August 1896, comprising East and West Africa Medal 1887-1900, one clasp, Benin 1897, (E.E. Ford. Pte. H.M.S. St. George), 1914-15 Star, (CH. 7041 Pte. E.E. Ford/ R.M.L.I.), 1st toned edge bumps, Star toned, very fine (2).
Edward Ernest Ford was born on the 19th of January 1874 in Charlton, Woolwich, a labourer by trade when he enlisted on the 10th of October 1892. He participated in the Anglo-Zanzibar War and was present at the Bombardment of the Palace of the Zanzibar Sultanate on 27th August 1896; his papers confirm this. The conflict lasted between 38 and 45 minutes, marking it as the shortest recorded war in history. He was then involved in the Benin 1897 Expedition and served throughout the Great War on HMS Marmora, an armed Merchant Cruiser. He was discharged on the 21st January 1919.
Sold with a Tissue Paper “Programme and Souvenir of the Royal Navy Inspection of the Home Fleets July the 18th 1914”.
Also included is a British War Medal to (013238 Pte. C. Banks A.O.C.) which came with the Pair, officially re‑numbered, toned, very fine.
Ford sold with Copy Benin 1897 Medal Roll on which clasp is confirmed, Copy Service Papers, Copy Great War Campaign Naval Medal Roll which shows entitlement to 1914‑15 Star, British War and Victory Medals.
Banks sold with Copy Medal Index Card and Medal Rolls, plus Copy entry on May 1916 Admissions Register for 2nd General Hospital, Le Havre.
