Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 126

Four: Able Seaman A. S. Baynham, Royal Navy, who saw service with H.M.S. Ariel at Heligoland Bight, Dogger Bank and Jutland

1914-15 Star (J.9661 A. S. Baynham. A.B. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.9661 A. S. Baynham A.B. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., (J. 9661 A. S. Baynham. A.B. H.M.S. Nelson) the Great War medals all later issues, light contact marks, better than very fine (4)

Arthur Sidney Baynham was born at Denbury Worcestershire, on 16 May 1893 and began his naval service as Boy 2nd Class on 24 September 1910 at Ganges II. Reaching his majority aboard Hannibal he was appointed Ordinary Seaman and later Able Seaman aboard H.M.S. Dreadnaught on 29 August 1913. Posted to the H.M.S. Woolwich for the destroyer Ariel on 7 February 1914 he was still with her on the outbreak of war.

Part of Harwich Force this vessel took part in the First Battle of Heligoland Bight on 28 August 1914 with the First Destroyer Flotilla. In heavy fighting one German Destroyer and three Light Cruisers were sunk with no British losses. She was also present for the Battle of Dogger Bank, a much closer run action which a largely indecisive result, although the armoured cruiser Blucher was overhauled and sunk.

Ariel saw action early in March 1916 when she and two destroyers - Attack and Acheron - were hunting for a German armed trawler. During the search they spotted the U-boat U12 which immediately dived and raised her periscope to attack. Ariel spotted this and moved to ram her, forcing U12 to surface where she came under heavy fire from the destroyers. She sank quickly with only 10 survivors being picked up.

Still serving with the First Destroyer Flotilla Ariel joined them with the Battlecruiser Fleet during the Battle of Jutland. Here the Flotilla screened the Fifth Battle Squadron during the 'Run to the South' before switching to cover the First Battle Squadron in the 'Run to the North'. Two of Ariel's consorts received hits during the action.

Baynham left Ariel several days after the action, later joining the Battleship Monarch on 6 September 1916 which he served with for much of the rest of hostilities. He saw further post-war service including with Malaya, Queen Elizabeth and Revenge. Notably official replacements for his Great War medals were sent to H.M.S. Courageous on 4 August 1928; sold together with a copied service record.

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

Sold for
£120

Starting price
£70