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Auction: 22103 - Orders, Decorations and Medals VII - e-Auction
Lot: 610

(x) Five: Chief Petty Officer C. D. G. Greeno, Royal Navy

1914-15 Star (220544, C. D. G. Greeno, P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (220544 C.D.G. Greeno. P.O. R.N.); Royal Naval L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (220544 C.D.G. Greeno. P.O. H.M.S. Argus); Italy, Kingdom, Messina Earthquake Medal 1908, silver, unnamed as issued, polished, pitting, very fine (5)

Charles David George Greeno was born at Hoxton, London on 1 March 1889. Enlisting in the Royal Navy as a Boy Class II on 20 September 1906 and advanced Boy Class I on 18 January 1918 Greeno was further advanced Ordinary Seaman while serving aboard H.M.S. Caesar on 1 March 1904. Going on to serve aboard a number of different vessels over the years including H.M.S Firequeen and Hermes, prior to the latter's refitting as a seaplane tender, Greeno was promoted Able Seaman on 20 September 1906.

Posted to the Duncan-class Battleship Exmouth Greeno was present on 28 December 1908 when a massive earthquake-measuring 7.5 on the Richter Scale- rocked the Messina strait between Italy and Sicily. A tsunami with waves as high as 40 feet crashed down over the coastline and the estimated death toll is believed to be as high as 85,000. The nearest international ships including Exmouth rushed to provide assistance forming search parties for survivors and providing medical aid where possible. In gratitude the Italian Government approved the creation of a commemorative medal issued to those who landed to give aid.

Posted to the Eclipse-class Cruiser Venus as a Leading Seaman on 2 August 1914 Greeno was with her when she captured two German Merchantmen in 1914. Promoted Petty Officer on 1 September 1915 he spent the bulk of the war with Venus who soon refitted to a depot ship. Leaving her on 1 November 1917 for H.M.S. Euryalus presumably to help with her refitting into a minelayer but was posted ashore to Victory I on 20 December.

After the war Greeno continued to serve for many years being promoted Chief Petty Officer on 8 December 1926 he was finally Shore Pensioned on 3 October 1928. This was not to be his final service however as he was called up again for service in the Second World War. Serving with the rank of Chief Petty Officer (Pensioner) from 28 September 1938-3 October 1938 before being demobilised. Remobilised again on 8 September 1939 Greeno served ashore with Victory I, Royal Arthur and Glendower. Finally he was again released into the reserve on 13 August 1945; sold together with sporting badges, one hallmarked for Birmingham, both named to the recipient.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£750

Starting price
£150