Lot 4734

Description

Transport Medal 1899-1902, - clasp - S.Africa 1899-1902. F.G.Taylor. Engraved. Cleaned, edge nicks, bruises and contact marks, otherwise fine.

Ex Morton & Eden Sale No.7, 11/12/2003 (lot 1506).



During WWI F.G.Taylor was master of the Admiralty-chartered collier Buresk which was on passage from Barry to Hong Kong with coal when she was stopped by the Emden at 1 a.m. on 27 September 1914. All crew were removed from the ship except the captain, chief officer, chief and second engineers, steward and cook. The Chinese crew from another captured ship were sent onto the Bursek. She was then utilised by the Captain of the Emden to maintain his supply of coal. The Bursek was subsequently sunk by the Emden on 9 November 1914 off North Keeling Island, Cocos Islands just before the Emden itself was sunk by the Australian cruiser, HMAS Sydney on the same day. Any officers and men from the Bursek as had not already been landed by the Emden were rescued by the Sydney. Mr F.G. Taylor kept a diary of events pertaining to the activities of the Emden while his ship the Bursek was forced to accompany Emden.