T. Proctor, Ord., H.M.S. “Shah

"Turton Proctor was born in Nottingham on 5 December 1859. A Labourer by occupation, he entered the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in May 1876 and was advanced to Boy 1st Class in May 1877 and Ordinary Seaman in December the same year. After service on the Royal Adelaide and Liffey, he served on the Shah, November 1878-October 1879, seeing service in South Africa and being promoted to Able Seaman in September 1879. He was discharged in December 1887."

My Grandmother was a 'Proctor' and she told me that during a 'moonlight flit' (my Grandfather, her husband had been declared bankrupt), a Zulu Spear and Shield were left in the house they had rented.

I would like to ask the author what his interest is in 'Turton Proctor' and how did he come by his information?

On another note, the author suggests that Turton Proctor served on the Royal Adelaide but after a quick internet search, I find that the Royal Adelaide was wrecked on Chesil Beach on 25 November 1872, while on a passage from London to Sydney with a crew of 32 and 35 passengers...was there another Royal Adelaide?

Blacksmith,

Regarding your last paragraph, H.M.S. Royal Adelaide and passenger ship Royal Adelaide owned by Gibbs, Bright & Company were not one and the same ship.

I hope that clarifies that point.

JY

Yes, I had discovered that within minutes of typing my question but I'm still grateful to your response.
It's fascinating stuff...I wonder what our lives will seem in the future?

I assume that Turton Proctors HMS Royal Adelaide is the one launched in 1828...

Hi Blacksmith

Littlehand's information comes from a medal auction by Dix Noonan Webb on 18th September 2009 when his medal was sold.

Here is his service record.

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Andy

Blacksmith,

Welcome to the forum.  

Turton Proctor entered the Royal Navy 1 May 1876 aboard HMS Impregnable which was a training ship for Boys at Devonport.  

In late 1878 T. Proctor was transferred from HMS Liffey in the Pacific Squadron to HMS Shah for transportation back to England.  The Shah was on her way home when she was diverted to South Africa to assist in the Zulu War.  On arriving at Durban, South Africa a Naval Brigade of over 390 officers and men.  Ordinary Seaman T. Proctor was one of those landed ashore.  The contingent of the Naval Brigade from HMS Shah joined with those of 2 other ships, and were attached to Lord Chelmsford’s column that was going to the relief of Colonel Pearson’s men who were besieged at Fort Eshowe.  The relief column fought the Zulus at the Battle of Gingindlovo on @ April 1879 with the men of HMS Shah manning the Southeast and Southwest corners of the British defensive position.  For his participation with the Naval Brigade in the Zulu War Proctor was entitled to the South Africa Medal with the “1879” clasp.

HMS Adelaide was the Flag Ship of the Port Admiral at Devonport and whenever Proctor was not at sea he was assigned to HMS Adelaide until his next assignment.  In all he served aboard HMS Adlaide four times.

T. Proctor left the Royal Navy 1n 1887 after having completed his 10 year enlistment.

On 20 January 1915 he joined the Royal Defense Corps for service during the First World War and was discharged on 31 December 1916.  

He was buried in Nottinghamshire 12 March 1924.

Tom

OK, I am 66yrs old.
My Grandmother told us stories during her role as childminder to myself and my two brothers.
She told us of this character who had a pet monkey, whose tail was accidently removed under the wheels of a gun carriage.
It was because of the misfortune of her husband, my Grandad that a shield and assegai were left in rented accommodation as they did a moonlight flit!
I wonder if the medal was left then too.
Turton Proctor was my Grandmother's Uncle.
Things being as they are today, I would have bought the medal given the opportunity.
However, what has been given me by this thread is equally as valuable.
Thank you my friends.

'Littlehand's information comes from a medal auction by Dix Noonan Webb on 18th September 2009 when his medal was sold.'

Regarding the auction by Dix Noonan, will there still be images of the medals that I could download?
How do I go about finding that out?

Best regards, David

David,

The DNW auction site had the notation “Sorry, there are no images available for this lot"

Tom

I'll try contacting them to see if they have the records of the sale...You never know the new owner may be helpful...Many thanks, David