The New Zealand Medal, reverse dated 1865, issued to S/Lt John James Frushard Bell of HMS Brisk. Just thirteen medals with this reverse date were issued to the Royal Navy, including two officers, all to H.M.S. Brisk. A further ten medals dated ‘1865’ were issued to H.M.S. Eclipse, the supply of medals dated ‘1863 to 1865’ having been exhausted.

 

John James Frushard Bell was born on 30 September 1843. He entered the Royal Navy on 9 July 1857, when aged 13 years 9 months as a Naval Cadet and immediately went to sea aboard H.M.S. Chesapeake, and whilst in this ship he was promoted to Midshipman on 1 August 1859. On leaving Chesapeake he was next appointed to Nile, January 1860, and in April 1862 he was loaned to Hydra for three months. He returned to Nile in July 1862 and whilst continuing to serve in this ship he was promoted to Acting Sub Lieutenant on 23 March 1863, and later confirmed in this rank with seniority of 20 March 1864. On paying off from Nile he joined Excellent in April 1864 for a course of studies and examination. On passing out he was appointed to Brisk for service on the Australian Station. During the two years he served in Brisk he was landed in New Zealand as part of the Naval Brigade which took part in the closing actions of the Second New Zealand War. During the punitive expedition to Opotiki in September 1865 in response to the killing of Rev. Volkner earlier that year, Bell was prominent in the naval forces deployed in support. He commanded an artillery piece that bombarded the Hau Hau Pa at Te Puia and was commended by Captain John Luce for his conduct in these operations, stating that 'he showed great coolness under fire'. Refer to linked newspaper report on the expedition.

 

On promotion to Lieutenant on 21 April 1866, he was transferred to Curaçoa as additional and for disposal. In September 1866 he was reappointed to Brisk and remained with the ship until paid off in January 1869. Next appointed to Royal Adelaide for eight weeks leave he then joined Cockatrice in July 1869. He remained in this ship for three years before paying off in March 1873. He was next appointed to Pembroke in November 1873 followed by Sandfly in November 1875 and Duncan in May 1878. In April 1882 he was posted to the Coast Guard Service and was stationed at Montrose. In 1886 he was transferred to Whitstable. He remained in this posting until placed on the Retired List (Age) with the rank of Commander, having served for 32 years. In September 1890 he was granted a Good Service Pension of £50.00 per annum. He died on 19 September 1900.

 

The medal is correctly impressed SUB.-LIEUT. JOHN J BELL, H M S BRISK and is sold with service files and other research.

 

The Capture of Opotiki