Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 21103 - Orders, Decorations and Medals e-Auction 4
Lot: 188

Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Somaliland 1908-10 (310862. S.E. Roberts, Sto. 1Cl. H.M.S. Proserpine.), suspension slack, slight edge bruise, very fine

Provenance:
Spink, July 2011.

Samuel Ernest Roberts also called Lawrence Roberts was born at Wincanton, Somerset on 24 June 1887 and worked as a bricklayer and labourer prior to enlistment. He enlisted on 16 October 1906 and was posted to training ship H.M.S. Nelson with the rank of Stocker Class II. Moving on to H.M.S. Essex on 17 March 1907 a year after the ship was placed in reserve, following an accidental explosion whilst training. It was while serving with this ship that Roberts was promoted Stocker Class I on 16 May 1907. He joined H.M.S. Proserpine on 19 February 1908 being promoted Acting Leading Stocker while serving aboard her on 15 August 1911. Serving on shore establishments from 14 January 1912 returning to the rank of Stocker Class I on 31 December 1912 while serving at H.M.S. Fisgard. Returning to service at sea Roberts joined H.M.S. Hermione on 17 July 1913 before transferring to H.M.S. King Alfred on 1 August 1914. He served on a number of vessels throughout the war including the Q-Ship H.M.S. Begonia from 1 October-15 November 1915, H.M.S. Birmingham from 21 February 1917-27 May 1917 and H.M.S. Achilles from 19 October 1917. During this last posting he was promoted Leading Stocker on 24 January 1918 leaving the ship on 16 April 1918 for a shore posting at H.M.S. Victory II. Returning to Sea on 19 August 1918 he began aboard H.M.S. Leviathan and it was aboard this ship that he ended the war, not leaving it until 27 February 1919.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£130

Starting price
£80