Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 324

A Great War 'Destroyer Flotilla' M.B.E. group of six awarded to Paymaster Sub Lieutenant D. W. Abbey, Royal Navy, who saw service at Jutland as one of two Assistant Paymasters aboard H.M.S. Cochrane

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 1st type breast badge, silver, hallmarks for London 1919; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; 1914-15 Star (Clk. D. W. Abbey, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Payr. S. Lt. D. W. Abbey. R.N.), heavy polishing and some pitting, overall nearly very fine (6)

M.B.E. London Gazette 11 June 1919:

‘For valuable services as Secretary to Captain (D) of the 3rd and 21st Destroyer Flotillas.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 17 March 1919:

'For services in destroyers of the Grand Fleet Flotillas between 1 July and 11 November 1918.’

Douglas Wilson Abbey was born on 5 June 1895 and entered the Royal Navy with the rank of Assistant Clerk on 15 July 1912 and stationed at the shore establishment Victory. Posted to the armoured cruiser H.M.S. Cochrane on 31 July 1912 he was further advanced Clerk on 30 August 1913. On the outbreak of war Cochrane was stationed at the Shetland Islands with her consort and sister-ship Achilles as part of the 2nd Cruiser Squadron. Not long after hostilities began the Squadron was reassigned to join the Grand Fleet.

Abbey remained with Cochrane for the early years of the war being promoted Assistant Paymaster on 18 January 1916. It was in this rank that he took part in the Battle of Jutland, being one of only two men on the ship acting as Assistant Paymaster. 2nd Cruiser Squadron was part of Admiral Jellicoe's Battlefleet which sallied to support the Battlecruiser Fleet in the face of Admiral Scheer's High Seas Fleet.

Posted to Minotaur - another vessel of 2nd Cruiser Squadron - on 18 January 1917 Abbey was stayed with her for most of that year. Later transferred to the Depot Ship Woolwich he was promoted Paymaster Sub-Lieutenant on 15 July 1919. It was here that he received both his 'mention' and later his M.B.E. as a result of his work for the destroyer flotillas of the Grand Fleet. He was placed on the retired list at his own request on 3 September 1920; 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
£290

Starting price
£180