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Auction: 5019 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria
Lot: 271

India General Service 1854-95, one clasp, Pegu (Geo. W. Rice. Actg. Flag Lieut. "Fox"), edge bruising, otherwise nearly extremely fine Estimate £ 600-700Commander George Rice, Royal Navy, Commissioned Lieutenant 19.1.1848, joined H.M.S. Fox 25.3.1852. Although his Medal is named to the Fox, he earned his promotion to Commander for services in his temporary appointment as the Commanding Officer of the Bengal Marine Ship Mahanuddy. Mentioned in Despatches by Rear-Admiral C.J. Austen, 16.4.1852: ´Lieutenant George Rice, in temporary command of the Mahanuddy, rendered essential service to the cause. Admirably handling his little vessel, he landed men on the beach to storm stockades, covering their landing with his own guns, and at the storming of them he was seen among the foremost ranks. In landing men, stores and baggage, and ascending the narrow creeks of this river, the Mahanuddy has proved most useful.´ (Calcutta Gazette 28.4.1852). Present at the storming and capture of the city of Bassein, 19.5.1852, Mentioned in Despatches by Commodore G.R. Lambert 20.5.1852: ´Amongst those I have to enumerate as sufferers on this occasion, I have to name Lieutenant George W. Rice of Her Majesty´s Ship Fox, who received a severe and painful wound through the right hand whilst gallantly leading his party of seamen into the stockade, and as this officer has been specially named by the Commander-in-Chief at the taking of Rangoon, I beg to recommend him most strongly to their Lordships´ consideration for promotion.´ Invalided from the service 18.12.1852, subsequently receiving special promotion to Commander 25.2.1853, for services in the war with Burma. Died of wounds 18.3.1853.

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