The important and well-documented South Africa 1877-79 medal awarded to Lieutenant J....

The important and well-documented South Africa 1877-79 medal awarded to Lieutenant J. Masterman, Royal Navy, who was specially appointed acting Commander of H.M. Ship Boadicea and the honour of transporting the body of the late Prince Imperial Louis Napoleon Bonaparte on its final voyage in South Africa South Africa 1877-79, no clasp (Lieut: J. Masterman, R.N, H.M.S. “Boadicea”) toned, very fine £2,000-£3,000 --- John Masterman entered the Navy in 1861, reaching the rank of Lieutenant in 1872. He was Lieutenant of the Boadicea during the Zulu War of 1879, obtaining mention in despatches and receiving the medal. ‘Following the tragic death at the hands of the Zulus of Prince Louis Bonaparte, the then Lieutenant Masterman was given the Honour of commanding Her Majesty’s Ship Boadicea in transporting the Body of the late Prince on its final voyage. The command was authorized by the Admiralty on the grounds that Lieutenant Masterman was known to be a trusted and personal friend of the late Prince, and that such an appointment seemed only fitting. Full official command of the Boadicea was given to the promoted Commander Masterman some two years later...’ The following Sailing Orders were issued to ‘John Masterman Esquire Lieutenant and Commanding officer H.M. Ship “Boadicea” by Frederick William Richards, Commodore of the Second Class and Senior Officer of H.M. Ships and Vessels employed on the Cape of Good Hope and West Coast of Africa, dated on board the Boadicea off Natal, 9 June 1879: ‘Her Majesty’s Ship “Boadicea” in your charge being in all respects ready and the remains of the late Prince Louis Napoleon Bonaparte having been received on board, it is my direction that you put to sea in her and proceed under steam to Simons Bay, reporting yourself to the Senior Officer at that port from whom you will receive instructions for your future guidance. You will take every possible precaution that the remains of the Prince are carefully with all proper respect, conducted to their destination. You are to complete with Coal and Provisions at Simosn Bay after which General leave may be given. You will use the utmost caution and vigilance for ensuring the safe navigation of the ship on the passage.’ The medal is accompanied by the following original documents: a. Nomination for a Naval Cadetship, 5 March 1861. b. Commission as Sub Lieutenant, 1 May 1868. c. Commission as Lieutenant, 2 September 1872. d. Sailing Orders issued 9 June 1879, as quoted above. e. Appointment as Acting Commander of H.M. Ship Boadicea, 3 March 1881. f. Commission as Commander, 30 June 1888. g. Appointment as additional Commander of H.M. Ship Melampus for Service in Coast Guard at Donaghadee, 21 July 1894. h. Appointment as Retired Captain on the Retired List, 26 May 1897.