A Good Egypt Bombardment of Alexandria and Navy Long Service and Good Conduct group awarded to Engine Room Artificer, later Chief Engine Room Artificer W.A. Hartfield, Royal Navy who would be present aboard H.M.S. Penelope during the bombardment of Alexandria on 11th July 1882. Penelope was the ship closest to the Egyptian forts and fired 231 rounds during the battle. She was lightly damaged by Egyptian shells in return, suffering eight men wounded.
Group of 3: Egypt Medal 1882-1889, dated reverse, 1 Clasp: Alexandria 11th July; (W.A. HARTFIELD. E.R. ARTIFICER. H.M.S. “PENELOPE”) Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, VR, (WALTER A. HARTFIELD. ENG. ROOM. ARTR.H.M.S. PEMBROKE.) Khedive’s Star, dated 1882.
Condition: Good Very Fine
Walter Albert Hartfield was born in Woolwich, Kent on 29th June 1848 and joined the Royal Navy for 12 years service on 1st January 1873, initially serving as an Acting Engine Room Artificer, before being appointed an Engine Room Artificer on 28th March 1877. On 17th May 1877 he would join Penelope and would serve with her with the exception of several small interludes elsewhere up until 1st November 1882 being aboard during the Egyptian War and would be present at the bombardment of Alexandria on 11th July 1882 her shallow draught caused her to be sent to Egypt. Upon arrival in Alexandria, she assisted with the evacuation of European refugees for several days before the bombardment of the city began on 11 July. Penelope was the ship closest to the Egyptian forts and fired 231 rounds during the battle. The ship was only lightly damaged by Egyptian shells, with eight men wounded, one eight-inch gun damaged and one mainyard needing to be replaced. She became Rear-Admiral Anthony Hoskins's flagship when the British seized the Suez Canal to allow their troop transports to land at Ismailia.
He would be appointed Chief Engine Room Artificer on 11th January 1883, and would remain serving until 3rd August 1889. He would die of consumption whilst in the Ascension Island on 8th November 1889.
