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Auction: 23001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 323

A H.M.S. Centurion Battle of Jutland D.S.M. group of five awarded to Commissioned Engineer F. T. Farmer, Royal Navy, who served as Chief Engine Room Artificer at Jutland and was one of only two men aboard to receive the award for the battle

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (269442. F. T. Farmer, C.E.R.A. 1Cl. H.M.S. Centurion. 31. May, - 1. June 1916); 1914-15 Star (269442, F. T. Farmer, C.E.R.A. 1, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Art. Eng. F. T. Farmer. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (269442 F. T. Farmer, C.E.R.A. 2Cl., H.M.S. Centurion), minor pitting, very fine (5)

One of only two D.S.M.'s awarded to the ship for Jutland.

D.S.M. London Gazette 15 September 1916.

Frederick Thomas Farmer was born at Wolverhampton, Staffordshire on 11 August 1876 and was employed as a Fitter and Turner prior to enlisting with the Royal Navy on 21 September 1898. Posted to Vivid II as Engine Room Artificer Class IV he saw service with a number of ships and establishments prior to the Great War. This number including Leander, his namesake, Blake and King Alfred being promoted Chief Engine Room Artificer class II with the latter. Finally Blake was posted to the King George V-class Battleship Centurion on 22 May 1913 he was to enter the war with her, being promoted Chief Engine Room Artificer class I with her on 23 September 1915.

Centurion was part with the 2nd Battle Squadron with her sister ships of the King George V-class. Taking part in a number of the abortive or unsuccessful sallies into the North Sea between 1914-16 she was not to see action until the Battle of Jutland. 2nd Battle Squadron was at the front of Jellicoe's line with Centurion taking the 3rd position in line. As the fleets came into contact and opened fire Centurion initially targeted the Battlecruiser Lützow. Sadly before she could properly engage the Orion blocked her view, in the event Centurion fired 19 shots from her 13.5 inch guns.

After the Battle just two men were awarded the D.S.M. with the other being Petty Officer Telegraphist H. F. Thomas. Farmer received a Warrant Officer's commission in the wake of the Battle, being commissioned Acting Artificer Engineer and posted to Vivid on 11 December 1916. This is doubtless a reflection of his capacity overall however his service during the Battle would certainly have also played a role. Posted to Bellerophon on 20 January 1917 he was to remain with her for the rest of the war, being confirmed in his rank on 13 April 1918.

Posted to the South American Station with Southampton on 9 April 1919 Farmer's rank was altered to Warrant Engineer. A rank he was to hold for the rest of his service, being posted Home in June 1921, he never again served outside Britain. Retiring on 11 August 1926 Farmer did receive one more rank alteration to Commissioned Engineer on 5 April 1949; sold together with an original photograph, newspaper cutting and postcard of H.M.S. Centurion addressed to the recipient's wife as well as copied service records.

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Sold for
£1,600

Starting price
£1000