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Auction: 25113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 271

Three: Corporal W. Fleetwood, Royal Marine Artillery

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 1 clasp, Alexandria 11th July (W. Fleetwood. Cpl. R.M.A. H.M.S. "Alexandra."); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R. (Wm. Fleetwood, Corpl. L. Co. R.M.A.); Khedive's Star, dated 1882, mounted court style for wear, minor contact marks, overall very fine (3)

William Fleetwood was born at Woolton, Liverpool in November 1857 and attested as a Private in 1875 before transferring to the Royal Marine Artillery on 21 May 1876. He joined Alexandra as a Gunner in March 1879 and was advanced Bombardier on 25 June that same year.

With this vessel he took part in the Bombardment of Alexandria on 11 July 1882 where Alexandra targeted the defences around Ras Al Tin. She took a number of hits from the Lighthouse Fort but with the arrival of Inflexible they were able to reduce the Egyptian fortifications and silence their guns. It was with this vessel that Gunner Israel Harding won the Victoria Cross for a snatching up a live shell which landed upon the deck and flinging it into a tub of water.

Further advanced Corporal on 14 April 1881 Fleetwood went on to serve with a number of other vessels including Woodlark and Northumberland the latter as a Sergeant. He served in that rank for some time until finally being discharged in 1896; sold together with copied service papers.

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Estimate

Starting price
£150