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Auction: 22133 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 271

Victory Medal 1914-19 (345909 J. Oddy. Ar. Mte. R.N.), minor contact wear overall, very fine

James Oddy was born at Rochdale, Lancashire on 12 March 1879 and worked as a machine fitter prior to enlisting on 9 February 1902 as Armourer's Crew. Completing his training at H.M.S. Cambridge he saw pre-war service aboard such vessels as Emerald, New Zealand and Prince George, being promoted Armourer's Mate with the latter on 1 August 1911.

Oddy was stationed aboard H.M.S. Fox on the outbreak of the Great War in August 1914. Fox had an active start to the war capturing two German merchant ships- the Australia and Holtenfels- in quick succession. She then headed for East Africa.

Reaching the Theatre in November Fox was one of the vessels responsible for tranporting the British forces to Tanga and supporting them During the Battle of Tanga. This attempt to drive the German forces under Paul Von Lettow-Vorbeck from the port failed and Fox was on hand to provide support in the withdrawal.

While Fox busied herself in the hunt of the Königsberg, Oddy was temporarily transferred to the Pegasus on 5 December 1914. As Pegasus was sunk in September 1914 it is likely that this secondment was part of the salvage operations which recovered several of the ship's guns for use in East Africa. Returning to Fox on 18 January 1915 he remained with her in the waters of the East Africa until 28 October 1915. After a period of time ashore Oddy was posted to H.M.S. Hearty on 2 March 1916 being promoted Armourer Petty Officer while aboard. He was invalided from service on 2 September 1920.

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Sold for
£15

Starting price
£10