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Auction: 23111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 1030

(x) Royal Fleet Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (J.12304 [PO. B. 15604] W. G. Smith. A.B. R.F.R.), good very fine

William Gordon Smith was born on Southsea, Hampshire on 1 December 1894, working as a Carpenter’s Mate before enlisting in the Royal Navy as a Boy Class II on 12 May 1911. Serving with a number of shore establishments and vessels including Collingwood, Forward and Hecla, he was promoted Able Seaman on 6 October 1913. Posted to the Acasta-class destroyer Owl on 8 May 1914, he was still with her when she sallied out of port as part of the British Fleet at the Battle of Jutland.

Owl formed part of the 4th Destroyer Flotilla, screening the 2nd Cruiser Squadron. This unit suffered particularly heavy losses during the fighting with Tipperary, Ardent, Fortune, Sparrowhawk and Shark all lost. After the battle she was part of the search efforts for the Cruiser Hampshire after she was lost off Scotland, carrying the Minster of War, Field Marshal Lord Kitchener.

Going ashore to Victory I on 7 November 1917 Smith was later posted to the Patrol Boat, PT25 with which he served from 11 May 1918-12 April 1918. Discharged time-expired on 30 November 1924, he joined the Royal Fleet Reserve the very same day. He was awarded his L.S. & G.C. on 16 June 1929, working in later life as a fish carter and was a member of the Eastleigh Auxiliary Fire Service in 1939.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£50

Starting price
£20