Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 70

A remarkable 'Royal Chaplain's' group of five awarded to Chaplain of the Fleet, The Reverend J. H. Berry, Royal Navy, Honorary Chaplain to both King Edward VII and King George V

South Africa 1877-79, no clasp (Rev: J. H. Berry, Chaplain, R.N, H.M.S. "Active"); Egypt 1882-89, dated reverse, no clasp (Revd. J. H. Berry. M.A. Chap:&n I. R.N. H.M.S. "Superb."); Coronation 1902, silver issue; Coronation 1911; Khedive's Star, dated 1882, very light contact marks to the first two, otherwise toned good very fine or better (5)

John Harcourt Berry was born in 1848 at Ullesthorpe, Leicestershire, the son of William and Jane Berry. Educated at Christ Church, Oxford, he was ordained Deacon in 1874 and Priest in 1875 beginning his ecclesiastical career with a curacy of Preston-upon-Stour, Gloucestershire. Appointed as a Chaplain in the Royal Navy from 25 March 1876, he first saw service on Tourmaline in 1876 being aboard during that ship on her visit to Simon's Town, South Africa the next year.

Joining the company of the corvette Active in 1877 Berry was still with this ship when she deployed to South Africa for the Zulu War. During the war she contributed 173 men to the Naval Brigade for service with Colonel Pearson's column at Eshowe. Berry left the vessel after the war in 1880 for H.M.S. Wolverene, being aboard her for the Detached Squadron's world cruise in 1881. It was likely here that he met the future King George, as he and his elder brother Prince Victor were training aboard the ship at the time.

Leaving Wolverene in 1882 Berry joined Superb and was present with her at the and was present at the bombardment of Alexandria that same year. She was in the thick of the action, firing 310 shells at the Egyptian Forts and taking 10 hits in exchange. Removing to H.M.S. Canada in 1884 he was once again serving alongside the future George V who was with this vessel until 1886. Berry left the vessel a year later in 1887 for Impregnable 1887 and then a year later joining Britannia where he was to serve for the next five years. Going ashore to the Marine Depot Walmer in 1893 Berry's final posting was at Devonport Barracks from 1895.

Finally retiring as Chaplain of the Fleet on 1 September 1899. His frequent contact with the Royal Family during his Naval service was reflected in an appointment as Honorary Chaplain to King Edward VII on 1902. Upon the King's death he remained in the role, becoming Honorary Chaplain to his former shipmate, now King George V between in 1911. Berry was to hold this post until 1923, he died on 17 June 1923 at Cliffcote, Seaford, Sussex.

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

Sold for
£900

Starting price
£800