Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 19002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 57

Ashanti 1900, no clasp (S.A.C.O.P. P. Crorkin. G.C.C.), some contact marks, very fine

Philip Crorkin was the youngest son of John Crorkin of New Lodge Road, Belfast and served initially as a Sergeant in the Royal Irish Constabulary. Having passed his examination, he was appointed Sub-Assistant Commissioner of Police in the Gold Coast Constabulary. The Weekly Irish Times of 28 July 1900 gives further detail:

'Acting-Sergeant Philip Crorkin, of the County Westmeath Force, who been the Depot for the past six weeks undergoing instruction in riding, drill, sword exercise, store accounting, for the post Sub-Assistant Commissioner of the Gold Coast Police, for which he was selected the Inspector-General from among thirty candidates, left the depot the evening of Monday, 23rd instant, en route for Liverpool from which he sailed on the 26th instant to take up the duties of his new appointment. Prior his leaving he was entertained at luncheon in the library and presented by his comrades with splendid six-chambered revolver (Colt's) suitably inscribed, as a slight token the warm fellowship in the past, and of their good wishes for his welfare and success in the future. Mr. Crorkin, who much affected by this magnificent and totally unexpected manifestation of their good wishes, thanked them most heartily for their kindness and generosity presenting him with such an exquisite and indispensable article and one which he would carefully and jealously preserve as a memento of his old comrades in the Royal Irish Constabulary. He was escorted to the North Wall by a large number of the Reserve men, with whom, during his short stay at the Depot, he had become extremely popular. The salary and allowances of his post amount to about £450 per annum. The conditions, leave and pension are also very favourable, but the climate is unhealthy and dangerous in the extreme.'

Having served in the operations (Medal), Crorkin died at Cape Coast Castle as a result of malaria and fever on 8 March 1902.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£450