the Naval General Service medal of John Davies on sale

[PMarione]

His medal is part of a collection of more than 400 orders, decorations and campaign medals which are being sold following the death of American collector Lee E Bishop junior.

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/news/Nelson-shipmate-s-medal-sale/article-1178240-detail/article.html

Problem is that they don't say which (out of 10) John Davies he is.

[alexlitandem]

There are, indeed, ten 'John Davies', but only one listed with four NGS clasps.

The issue is: could a faker have obtained four such clasps and added them to another John Davies medal?

Long answer short: Yes; that would have been possible [ arguably, it still would be possible ].

Likely?

Not really.

The provenance of this medal - and the absence of contra-indications - give reason to support the notion that this is THAT JD, not one of the other nine.

[John Davies]

[PMarione]

Welcome aboard.

The ships logs will not be of great interest for you except for the wherabouts of the ship.
What you must check are the Muster Books at TNA.
They are in the ADM 36 and ADM 37 series.
Not all of them have survived but they give interesting info like the age and place of birth, the ship he came from and where he had gone.
If you are lucky you can trace his career from book to book.

The website at TNA is very well done for example : http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycataloguedetails.asp?CATLN=6&CATID=5352431&SearchInit=4&SearchType=6&CATREF=ADM+36%2F11358
and you can even order digital copies.

Keep us informed.
@+P Marione

[John Davies]

Hi again , Sorry to take a while to get back to you. I tryed to look up the PRO for information . There doesnt appear to be any Ad 36 or 37 are these tho only ad s worth looking at there are others with John Davies in. More of the story surrounding this medal . My mother in law sent it to us from England to new Zealand inan envelope with some tissues wrapped round it. I was shocked Ha. Also another medal belonging tom my wives gt gt Grandfather Steven Hare . it was in the 'Himalaya' and 1784 relating to the ashanti wars. So we think Davies must be related to her family . as well. is there any other hints you have to track down the John Davies .Very much appreciated and I love mysterys.
Regards Russel Knight
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caudwell

[PeterL]

ADM 37/2487, ADM 37/2488, ADM 37/2489, ADM 37/3512, ADM 37/4215, ADM 37/5210 and ADM 37/5211 contains the musters for HMS Armide from Sep 1809 to Dec 1815. The period your chap was onboard. He is confirmed on the NGS roll as a Landsman for the first clasp and and Able Seaman for the latter two. I collect this medal and would be interested in seeing a photo of the medal if you have one. It is quite scarce to have a medal with three Boat Service clasps. If you don't know, these were cutting-out operations in the ships boats against the enemy. There were no passengers on these "commando" like missions, so hard earned clasps for sure. There is quite a bit know about the three actions. A good book to learn about the NGS medal is "British Battles and Medals" published by Spink. Hope this helps.

Cheers, -Peter

[John Davies]

Hi Pete,
Well Im a bit further ahead. i talked to another man who was researching his relative who served on the armide. He has been to TNA and can confirm that the Armide musters do in fact exist. he told me he would look for J D when he returned but he never got back to me. I cant find him . At least I know that they exist. I thought I was going to travel to England this year but couldnt afford it . Im wondering what would it cost to have someone research it for me. Can you help?
REgards Rusty Knight
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caudwell

[PeterL]

Yes - the muster clearly do exist, as I pointed out in the post from 2011 just previous to yours. No doubt about it. I've sent you an email regarding a researcher. Hope this helps.

Cheers, -Peter

[John Davies]

Thanks for that youve been a great help. I will drop you a line when i find something out regards Rusty
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caudwell