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Auction: 23001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 127

Four: Stoker Class I A. Belshaw, Royal Navy, who saw heavy fighting at Jutland with the destroyer Porpoise part of the heavily engaged 4th Destroyer Flotilla

1914-15 Star (SS.110111 A. Belsham, Sto.1., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (SS.110111 A. Belshaw. Sto.1. R.N.); Royal Fleet Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (SS.110111 PO.B.8722 A. Belshaw. Sto.1. R.F.R.), minor pitting, edge bruise, very fine (4)

Albert Belshaw was born at St. Peters, Nottinghamshire on 11 May 1889 and enlisted with the Royal Navy on 26 July 1910. Posted to Victory II as Stoker Class II his first posting afloat was with the Battleship Renown on 14 August 1910. Promoted Stoker Class I on 10 August 1911 while with the cruiser Achilles.

Stationed ashore on the outbreak of the Great War at Vernon Belshaw was posted first to Victory II and later the submarine tender Dolphin. Finally joining the Acasta-class destroyer Porpoise with 4th Destroyer Flotilla Belshaw was still with them during the Battle of Jutland. Here under Commander Hugh Colville they saw extremely heavy fighting throughout the action.

This Flotilla suffered serious losses as a result of several close encounters with the main body of the High Seas Fleet in the confused night of 31 May-1 June. The first loss being the Flotilla leader Tipperary, later joined by Sparrowhawk, Ardent, Fortune and Shark. Of the fifteen torpedoes they launched as a unit, seven were claimed as hits. Porpoise was behind Fortune when she was sunk and took two heavy hits, with one damaging her steering. Unable to continue the fight she was forced to disengage and withdraw from the action.

Belshaw did not remain with Porpoise, instead being posted to the yarrow-class destroyer Relentless on 1 July 1916. Staying with her for the rest of the war he transferred to the Royal Fleet Reserve on 9 March 1919. Belshaw did see some further service with Victory II between 9 April 1921-6 June 1921 before being demobilised; sold together with copied service papers.

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Sold for
£110

Starting price
£80