The rare Arctic Discoveries and Zulu War pair awarded to Master at Arms R. D. Symons, Royal...

The rare Arctic Discoveries and Zulu War pair awarded to Master at Arms R. D. Symons, Royal Navy, who served in H.M.S. Alert’s ‘Hercules’ and ‘Poppie’ sledging parties, two members of the former team suffering amputation on account of frostbite South Africa 1877-79, no clasp (B. Symons, S. Corpl. 2.Cl: H.M.S. “Active”); Arctic Medal 1875-76 (R. D. Symonds, A.B. H.M.S. Alert) light contact marks and a bit polished, otherwise nearly very fine (2) £4,000-£5,000 --- Importation Duty This lot is subject to importation duty of 5% on the hammer price unless exported outside the UK --- --- 70 Arctic 1875-76 Medals were awarded to members of H.M.S. Alert’s crew. Robert Denham Symons (sometimes given as Symonds) was born in Rotherhithe, Surrey on 19 February 1852 and entered the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in February 1868. Joining H.M.S. Alert as an Able Seaman in April 1875, he subsequently participated in the ship’s Arctic expedition, travelling that autumn with Lieutenant W. H. Hay’s sledge ‘Hercules’. Departing the ship on 25 September, and returning on 15 October, two of its eight-man team suffered amputation because of severe frostbite. Then in April and May of 1876, Symons made two trips with Lieutenant G. A. Giffard’s sledge ‘Poppie’, the first outing lasting for 30 days and the second 18 days. His three trips totalled 68 days away from the Alert. Sledging aside, Lieutenant Giffard and Symons had charge of the expedition’s printing press and established ‘The Arctic Printing Office’ which was situated ‘within half a minute’s walk of the foremost Quarter Deck ladder.’ He subsequently served aboard the Active off South Africa from March to April 1879 and was shortly afterwards advanced to Ship’s Corporal 1st Class. He became Master at Arms in June 1885 and was finally pensioned ashore in February 1895. Sold with copied record of service and other research.