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Auction: 26003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 232

The 1957 O.B.E. group of ten awarded to Paymaster Captain K. W. James, Royal Navy, who survived the sinking of HMS Cornwallis in the Dardenelles in 1917 and later served as a Senior C.E.O. at G.C.H.Q.,

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Officer's (O.B.E.) breast Badge, Civil Division, silver-gilt; 1914-15 Star (Clk. K. W. James. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Payr. S. Lt. K. W. James. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Atlantic Star; Pacific Star, clasp, Burma Star; War Medal 1939-45; Coronation 1953, mounted court-style as worn, overall good very fine (10)

O.B.E. London Gazette 4 June 1957.

M.I.D. London Gazette 11 June 1946.

Kenneth Wallwyn James was born at Hampstead, Middlesex on 1 November 1896. Educated at Chigwell Grammer School he was appointed Assistant Clerk in the Royal Navy on 15 July 1914. Posted to the battleship Cornwallis from 7 November 1914 he served in the Dardanelles in supporting the landings at Cape Helles on 25 April 1915. James was promoted Clerk on 15 July 1915 whilst still serving with her and remained in the Mediterranean as a result.

Cornwallis was on patrol off Malta on 9 January 1917 when she was torpedoed and sunk by U-32. Attempts were made to take her under two but the U-boat remained in the area and she fired another torpedo into Cornwallis' starboard side. Despite this killing blow she did not sink immediately but began to flood, gaining a serious list. This slow sinking allowed most of the crew including James to escape although some fifteen men were killed in the initial torpedo blasts.

Joining Glasgow after the sinking on 26 February 1917, James was promoted Assistant Paymaster on 15 September 1917 and Paymaster Sub Lieutenant 15 July 1917. He saw further wartime service with Newcastle on 1 January 1918 and Boudicea on 28 August 1919. Post-War he was appointed Acting Paymaster Lieutenant on 15 September 1919, Paymaster Lieutenant Commander 15 July 1927 and Paymaster Commander 30 June 1935 later being was lent to the New Zealand Squadron where he remained until 1940.

Serving with Indefatigable in the Far East James was 'mentioned' at the conclusion of the Second World War. After leaving the Royal Navy he served as a Senior Chief Executive Officer at G.C.H.Q. and was awarded his O.B.E. for his services with them. He died at Cotheridge, Worcester on 26 May 1975; sold together with copied research.

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Estimate
£200 to £300

Starting price
£160