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Auction: 22133 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 512

(x) Three: Stoker A. Churchward, Royal Navy, who survived the sinking of Warrior at the Battle of Jutland

1914-15 Star (K.18020, A. Churchward, Sto., 1, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (K.18020 A. Churchward. Sto. 1. R.N.), mounted as worn, very fine (3)

Alfred Churchward was born on 1 February 1894 at Totnes, Devon and was a farm labourer upon his joining the Royal Navy at Devonport on 11 February 1913. Joining Warrior on 1 July 1913, he served aboard her until 13 June 1916, which included the Battle of Jutland.

At Jutland the armoured cruisers H.M.S. Defence and Warrior, part of the 1st Cruiser Squadron, were closing with the disabled German light cruiser Wiesbaden, when they came under concentrated fire from the battlecruiser Derfflinger and four battleships at less than 8,000 yards. Defence blew up and Warrior was heavily damaged and was only saved from from further punishment when the German ships switched their fire to the more tempting target in the form of the battleship Warspite whose steering had become jammed. Badly damaged, Warrior was able to make her way out of the battle zone and was eventually taken in tow by the seaplane carrier Engadine who took off her surviving crew. However, the ship could not be saved and she was abandoned the next day and subsequently foundered, with the loss of 70 lives.

Churchward joined the Royal Fleet Reserve on 11 February 1925. For the Medals of his brother, please see Lot xxx.

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

Sold for
£95

Starting price
£40