Staff Surgeon Oswald Rees was awarded the Blane Medal following his services in H.M.S. Jackdaw on the River Niger between 1897-98. Next employed at the R.N. Hospital, Simonstown between 1901-04, he went on to carry out important experimental work as Secretary of the Royal Navy's Committee on Deep Diving, work that won him the approbation of the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty. Back on regular seagoing duties by 1908, Rees was engaged in H.M.S. Fox in blockade duties off the Worsangli Coast, Somaliland and afterwards in the Persian Gulf, during which latter period four Dhows were captured. He was also present at the occupation of Bushire between April and May 1909, when 120 men were landed for the protection of life, the Residency and Customs House being occupied. He was consequently among those Officers and Ratings to receive the thanks of the Foreign Office.