A good Egypt Medal and Sudan Medal 1882-1889, reverse dated 1882, 1 Clasp: Alexandria 11th July awarded to F.E. Julian, Chief Engineer, Royal Navy who seeing service during the Egyptian War would be present aboard H.M.S. Penelope at the Bombardment of Alexandria on 11th July 1882 during which time the ship fired 231 rounds at the Egyptian forts and suffered eight men wounded.
Egypt and Sudan Medal 1882-1889, reverse dated 1882, 1 Clasp: Alexandria 11th July; (F.E. JULIAN. CH. ENG. R.N. H.M.S. “PENELOPE”.
Condition: two small edge-bruises, otherwise Good Very Fine
Francis Edwin Julian was born in St. Mary’s, Sidley, Cornwall in 1829 and would serve as an Assistant Engineer from 16th March 1857 having previously served since 31st March 1855. He would be promoted Acting Engineer on 3rd April 1861 and Engineer on 25th October 1864 and Chief Engineer on 11th August 1871.
He would be appointed the Chief Engineer of H.M.S. Penelope on 26th February 1880 and would serve 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.
On 11 March 1883, Penelope was run into by the steam collier Dunelm at Sheerness, sustaining minor damage.
Julian would leave Penelope on 21st March 1883, and would be placed on the retired list on 19th March 1884 giving an address in Plymouth as his intended residence. He passed away on 22nd July 1889.
