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Auction: 22003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 156

The British War Medal awarded to Captain H. U. Fletcher, who commanded the Morning Star at the Battle of Jutland, receiving the Russian Order of St. Anne, with swords and a 'mention' for his efforts

British War Medal 1914-20 (Commr H. U. Fletcher. R.N.), edge bruise, overall very fine

[Russian Order of St. Anne, 3rd Class] London Gazette 5 June 1917.

Hugh Undecimus Fletcher was born at Hampstead on 28 July 1881, the son of Banister and Eliza Fletcher, and enlisted as a Midshipman on 15 September 1897 with H.M.S. Britannia. His first posting afloat was H.M.S. Gibraltar on 1 June 1907 his first report was not complimentary stating simply: 'slow', but was invalided from the vessel on 30 October 1908. Posted to Terrible upon his recovery he left prior to her service in the Anglo-Boer War; the next report was rather better stating 'improving but slow'.

Seeing further service upon Diadem and Edinburgh Fletcher was promoted Sub-Lieutenant with the latter on 15 March 1901. Further advanced Lieutenant with H.M.S. Cygnet on 30 June 1903. Fletcher appears to have been a competent officer but his reports still suggest issues getting on with his superiors, a report from Commander Hawkealy of the Aboukir stating:

'Zealous, Hardworking + Efficient, but he has an unfortunate manner + requires knowing.'

A further report in 1909 described him as having a 'sulky nature', nevertheless Fletcher continued to rise in rank, being promoted Lieutenant-Commander 30 June 1911 while with Redpole. By the outbreak of the Great War Fletcher was commanding this ship but was transferred to Morning Star in August 1915.

Morning Star was part of the 11th Destroyer Flotilla at the Battle of Jutland with Fletcher commanding. This formation was in support of King George V at the start of the Battle. They later had an encounter with a force of German light cruisers during the return to Britain, fortunately for Morning Star they focused their fire on Castor. Fletcher received a 'mention' for his careful handling of Morning Star during the Battle to go with his promotion to the rank of Commander on 30 June 1916. He was also awarded the Russian Order of St. Anne, class III on 5 June 1917 with the citation stating:

'The following decorations were conferred by the Russian Government on Officers of the Grand Fleet for distinguished service rendered in the Battle of Jutland'

Remaining with the Morning Star until his posting to Nimrod on 11 March 1918. Continuing to serve Fletcher was mainly stationed ashore he was posted to Trenchard on 15 October 1920 and remained with her until 1921. He retired on 6 March 1922.

Returning to service on 18 July 1940 Fletcher saw service with H.M.S. Eaglet as Maintenance Captain on 17 June 1941. Later posted to H.M.S. Lucifer as Divisional Sea Transport Officer on 10 February 1942 he retired again on 22 June 1946. In retirement Fletcher was Colonel of the Tower Hamlets Rifle Brigade. His brother Major H. P. Fletcher, 1st Battalion, County of London Yeomanry was killed in action on 3 August and posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Order on 18 August 1916; sold together with copied service papers, London Gazette extracts, Commonwealth War Graves details relating to the recipient's brother along with a photograph of H.M.S. Mary Rose, census data relating to the recipient's brother.

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Sold for
£210

Starting price
£90