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Auction: 23113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 427

Four: Able Seaman B. Pelham Royal Navy, who was serving on H.M.S. Onslaught at the Battle of Jutland
1914-15 Star (237529. B. Pelham. A.B., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (237529 B. Pelham. A.B. R.N.); Silver War Badge (RN 44554), pitting and contact wear, overall very fine (4)

Bertram Pelham was born at Uckfield, Sussex on 26 January 1890 and was a butcher's boy when he joined the Royal Navy on 2 October 1906.
Pelham joined Onslaught in February 1916 and was serving with her at Jutland. Onslaught was an M-class Destroyer which formed part of the 1st Division of the 12th Destroyer Flotilla. During the night engagement at 0230hrs, she was engaged in an attack on an enemy formation, firing 4 torpedoes and claiming a hit. While turning away, her Bridge was hit by gunfire, with the CO, 1st Lieutenant and Gunner (T) among those killed. The Sub-Lieutenant, who had been passing a message to the engine room, assumed command and eventually took the ship back to Rosyth.

Pelham was discharged to shore on 25 May 1920 having received a prize bounty for Jutland; sold together with his original Certificate of Service and several photographs of Pelham in uniform.

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Sold for
£110

Starting price
£50