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Auction: 22133 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 275

Victory Medal 1914-19 (j. 20313 G. F. O. Quiddington. A.B. R.N.), contact marks, polishing, edge bruising, nearly very fine

George Frederick Oakley Quiddington was born at Forest Gate, Essex on 30 May 1897. Enlisting with the rank of Boy Class II on 31 August 1912 his first posting afloat was aboard H.M.S. Theseus and later London. The outbreak of the Great War found Quiddington aboard H.M.S. Vanguard still with the rank of Boy. Promoted Ordinary Seaman on 30 May 1915 and Able Seaman on 16 March 1916, just prior to the Battle of Jutland.

Vanguard was part of 4th Battle Squadron under the command of Vice-Admiral Sturdee. She played a major role in the battle as eighteenth in the line, early in the engagement she managed to cripple the destroyer S.M.S. Wiesbaden. Following the battle, Quiddington served ashore for a period before being posted to the destroyer H.M.S. Pelican. With this ship he was present at the Action of 4 May 1917, when a light cruiser squadron including the HMAS Sydney fought an action against a mixed ambushing force comprising two submarines and a zeppelin. The ambush was a failure and achieved little for either side but did mark the first time that an Australian vessel had come under air attack.

Quiddington served on with the navy seeing service aboard H.M.S. Ramillies and Hawkins, being present on the former during the Symrna crisis of September 1922. His final service afloat was with H.M.S. Ark Royal which he served with from 22 January-29 May 1927; sold together with copied service papers.

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Sold for
£15

Starting price
£10