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Auction: 24112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 582

The Second World War campaign group of seven attributed to Lieutenant-Commander H. J. Wheels, Royal Navy, who was 'mentioned' for his services in the Mediterranean in 1944

1939-45; Atlantic Star, with France and Germany clasp; Africa Star; Burma Star, with Pacific clasp; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf, mounted as worn, good very fine (7)

M.I.D. London Gazette 9 May 1944.

Horace James Wheels was born at Plymouth on 26 February 1913, the son of James and Frances Wheels. His father, serving as a Leading Stoker during the Great War, was killed when the destroyer Bittern collided with the SS Kenilworth on 4 April 1918, she sank with all hands.

Despite his father's fate the young Wheels enlisted as an Engine Room Artificer on 30 July 1928 and rose swiftly through the ranks. Stationed as Engine Room Artificer Class III in 1937 with Berwick he entered the Second World War ashore with Drake.

Posted to the minesweeper Hussar on 14 February 1940, he was promoted Chief Engine Room Artificer with her on 11 April. Transferring to Herminone on 31 August 1940 he was with her during the hunt for the Bismark but left on 11 April 1941, prior to her sinking. Commissioned Lieutenant Engineer on 1 October 1942 Wheels' service history becomes harder to follow.

It is likely that he continued to see service in the Mediterranean during this time however, earning his 'mention' there for minesweeping with H.M.S. Boston. This vessel was also later involved in the bombardment of German Batteries at Cherbourg in 1944. Wheels continued to serve, with the Navy lists have him serving as a Marine Engineer in the Firth of Forth Dockyards in 1958. Reaching the rank of Lieutenant-Commander before retiring on 26 April 1958, he died on 26 May 1983 in Derby; sold together with copied research.

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Sold for
£130

Starting price
£30