Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 22101 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 390

Three: Second Officer K. Richards, Merchant Navy who was killed in action on 8 December 1940 in the sinking of the S.S. Ashcrest by U-140

1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; British War Medal 1939-45, in named box of issue, good very fine (3)

Kenneth Richards was born in 1908, the son of Edward and Elizabeth Richards of Barry, Glamorgan. He served as Second Officer aboard the S.S. Ashcrest, an old vessel whose first contribution to the Second World War was the evacuation of allied civilians from the Riveria during the Fall of France. Later she was part of convoy SC-13 bound for Middlesbrough from Philadelphia carrying a cargo of steel. Suffering from rudder problems she fell behind and on 7 December sent out a distress call which was picked up by U-140. The U-boat hunted for the straggling ship and managed to sight her on the evening of 8 December, firing two torpedoes one of which stuck just below the bridge breaking the ship in two. She sank quickly leaving none of the 38 crew alive. Richards in commemorated upon the Tower Hill Memorial; sold together with identity disc, named Scroll of Honour and note of entitlement.

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

Sold for
£130

Starting price
£130