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Auction: 22003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 309

Four: Stoker Petty Officer F. Godwin, Royal Navy, who served in the Persian Gulf with H.M.S. Dartmouth prior to the Great War before moving on to see Jutland Service with the Battleship Valiant

Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Persian Gulf 1909-14 (K.15059. F. Godwin. Sto. 1Cl. H.M.S. Dartmouth.); 1914-15 Star (K.15059. F. Godwin, Sto.1., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (K.15059 F. Godwin. Act. S. P. O. R.N.), edge bruise to first, overall good very fine (4)

Frank Godwin was born at Bristol, Gloucestershire on 28 May 1894 and enlisted with the Royal Navy at Vivid II on 16 October 1912 as a Stoker. His first posting afloat was with the Town-class destroyer H.M.S. Dartmouth on 17 October 1912. This vessel with the 3rd Battle Squadron was involved in the British efforts to suppress piracy and smuggling in the Persian Gulf.

Posted to the Queen Elizabeth-class battleship H.M.S. Valiant on 13 January 1916 Godwin was still with this vessel during the Battle of Jutland with the rank of Stoker Class I. Forming part of the 5th Battlecruiser Squadron and as such she was one of the last ships to reach the battle after the 'run to the south'. A communications error had the Squadron falling behind the British fleet during the 'run to the north' which resulted in them forming the rear-guard and resisting the heavy fire from the advancing High Seas Fleet. Valiant suffered several hits during this stage of the fighting and along with Barham fired 625 rounds.

Godwin clearly distinguished himself with Valiant, having joined as a Stoker Class I he was promoted Acting Stoker Petty Officer within two years by 29 August 1918. He remained with the Royal Navy after the war seeing service with Marigold, Dahlia and Colleen. Confirmed in the rank of Stoker Petty Officer on 20 December 1919 he was shore pensioned on 14 April 1920; sold together with copied service papers.

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Sold for
£300

Starting price
£180