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Auction: 24112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 105

South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1879 (T. Hennessey. P.O. 1st Cl. H.M.S. Shah), the naming divided by suspension post as usual to the Royal Navy, good very fine

Thomas Hennessy was born at South Parish, Cork, Ireland on 22 March 1843 and enlisted with the Royal Navy as Boy Class II on 28 February 1858. He served for some time, reaching the rank of Captain of the Foretop in November 1870 before being transferred to the Coast Guard in 1872. Serving at the Bridge of Don as first Boatman and later Commanding Boatman, Hennessy returned to Naval service in 1876. Posted to the Nabal Barracks as Petty Officer Class I Hennessy joined Shah in September.

He was still with her the next year when she took part in the Battle of Pacocha against the Peruvian ironclad Huáscar. The battle itself was inconclusive, however Shah made history during the engagement by firing the first self-propelled torpedo.

She was later posted to South Africa to provide reinforcements following British losses at the Battle of Isandlwana. Shah gave a large contribution to the Naval Brigade and these men fought at Gingihlovo during the relief of Colonel Pearson's column at Eshowe.

Promoted Chief Petty Officer on 17 January 1882 he was pensioned in March however appears to remain in service until 1889; sold together with copied service papers.

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Sold for
£650

Starting price
£210