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Auction: 22001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 221

Seven: Lieutenant (Gunner) G. Odell, Royal Navy, who served with H.M.S. Vanguard during the Battle of Jutland and who latterly saw wide service with the Coastal Forces during the Second World War

1914-15 Star (Gnr. G. Odell, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Gnr. G. Odell. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine (7)

George William Odell was born in Gravenhurst, Bedfordshire on 4 March 1888. He joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in March 1904, and advanced to Petty Officer in July 1915. Odell served with H.M.S. Vanguard (battleship), March 1914 - June 1917, during which time she served as part of the 4th Battle Squadron at the Battle of Jutland, where she fired a total of 80 twelve-inch shells and 10 four-inch shells during the battle.

Odell was commissioned as Acting Gunner in June 1917, and served with H.M.S. Foresight (cruiser), July 1917 - October 1919. He re-engaged for service as a Commissioned Gunner with the Coastal Forces during the Second War. This saw Odell at Badger, Beehive and Attack amongst others, serving with the 10th Flotilla whilst at the first from December 1940. He earned glowing reports, such as the following from October 1943:

'A splendid retired Commd. Gunner of the very best type. Reliable, trustworthy, hard working of good physique for his age and of smart appearance. In every way a credit to his past Naval service. An excellent ...and an Officer anyone would be happy to serve with has already had considerable experience of Coastal Forces Craft.'

As typical with an Officer in his trade, Odell was recorded as suffering from 'Gunner-ear' but as evidenced by the presence of his Africa Star, he was not afraid of active service. He retired as Lieutenant in May 1944, by that time aged 56 and had his Second World War Medals issued on 17 April 1950. Odell died at Cuckfield, West Sussex in October 1975; sold together with copied service records and MOD confirmation of WW2 entitlement.

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Sold for
£270

Starting price
£160