Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 105

Pair: Petty Officer J. Booth, Royal Navy, who won the Naval Good Shooting Medal in 1911 and later served with H.M.S. Ariel during the Battle of Jutland

1914-15 Star (235211, W. Booth, P.O. R.N.); Naval Good Shooting Medal, G.V.R. (235211 J. Booth, A.B, H.M.S. Panther. 1911. 6.Pr. Q.F.), good very fine (2)

John Booth was born at Castleford, Yorkshire on 5 October 1888, and worked as a Lamp Cleaner prior to enlisting with the Royal Navy on 16 November 1905. Posted to Boscawen III with the rank of Boy Class II he reached his majority while with the Eclipse-class protected cruiser Talbot, being appointed Ordinary Seaman on 5 October 1907.

Further advanced Able Seaman on 31 December 1909 while with the Battleship New Zealand, Booth was finally promoted Leading Seaman with H.M.S. Leander on 1 November 1912. On the outbreak of the Great War he stationed with Motor Torpedo boats, specifically TB16. Leaving on 18 February 1915 Booth went ashore to Victory II where he was promoted Petty Officer on 1 April 1915.

After a short tour of duty at Defiance his next posting afloat was the destroyer Noble. Part of the Fourth Destroyer Flotilla Noble joined the Grand Fleet on its sally in support of the Battlecruiser Fleet during the Battle of Jutland.

This unit formed the screen ahead of the Fleet during the opening hours of the action. Noble and her consorts saw action throughout the evening and into the night as the two fleets attempted to withdraw. The destroyers Maened and Narwhal both claimed hits on enemy battleships with their torpedoes during this time.

After the Battle Booth continued to serve, eventually leaving Noble on 10 December 1917 with his records suggesting he was attending an Officer Selection course; sold together with copied service records.

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

Sold for
£480

Starting price
£180