Beaufort Testimonial and the Wharton Testimonial

This joint award honored Rear-Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort, K.C.B., who was the Navy's Hydrographer from 1829 to 1855 and Rear-Admiral Sir William J. L. Wharton, K.C.B., F.R.S., who'd been Hydrographer of the Navy from 1884 to 1904.

The Beaufort Testimonial was established in 1860 by the Admirality, the Midshipman who performed the best in navigation and pilotage on exams for promotion to the rank of Lieutenant was granted "instruments or books of a professional character and of practical use to a Naval Officer" each year.

Wharton Testimonial:
Established in 1907. About £950 was used to fund the Wharton Prize; interest on a portion of that amount was added to interest on the capital, and the entire amount will be used to buy a piece of equipment or other work that would be practically helpful to a naval officer.

The winner of the joint rewards received a gold medal with a bust of the late Sir William Wharton on the obverse and an appropriate inscription on the reverse, paid for with the interest on the remaining amount.

Historische referenties:
Circular No. 443.
Admiralty, 15th August, 1860.

The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having been pleased to approve of the request of the Committee of the Beaufort Testimonial Fund, that a Premium, to be called the Beaufort Testimonial, shall be annually bestowed upon the Officer who, in the course of the year, may pass the best examination in Navigation for the rank of Lieutenant or Master at the Royal Naval College at Portsmouth, their Lordships direct that the same be made known throughout the Fleet.

The Premium will consist of some Nautical Instrument, or Work, that may be practically useful to a Naval Officer ; it will be awarded according to the decision of the First Mathematical Professor at Portsmouth, and a distinguishing mark will be placed in the Navy List against the name of the successful Candidate, as in the case of the Gilbert Blane Medal.
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By command of their Lordships,
W. G. Romaine.
To all Commanders-in-Chief, &c.

Admiralty, 31st January 1861
Award of the Beaufort Testimonial.

With reference to Circular, No. 443, of the 15th of August 1860, the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty are pleased to direct that Candidates, desirous of competing for the Beaufort Testimonial, may, in addition to the usual examination for Lieutenant and Master. be examined in the Theory of Navigation, Outlines of Surveying, Laying Positions and Soundings, the use of Charts and their knowledge of the prevailing winds, currents, &c. should also, on joining the College, signify their intention of competing for the Testimonial in order that the arrangements may be made.

By command of their Lordships.
C. Paget,
To all Commander-in-Chief,