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Auction: 13001 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 451

The Chinese Order of the Brilliant Jade Attributed to Commander R.N. Stopford, Royal Navy
China, Republic, Order of the Brilliant Jade, Commander´s neck Badge, 62mm, silver-gilt and enamel, with blue jade at centre, Chinese inscribed cartouche on reverse, the reverse officially numbered ´140´, nearly extremely fine, scarce, in rio-nuri lacquer case of issue

Chinese Order of the Brilliant Jade, with White Riband bordered Red and Blue London Gazette 14.2.1939 Commander Robert Neville Stopford, R.N. (retd.)
´In recognition of valuable services rendered by him in connection with the training of Chinese Naval Cadets.´

Commander Robert Neville Stopford, born 4.7.1888; joined the Royal Navy as a Cadet, 15.9.1903; appointed to H.M.S. Formidable, 15.1.1905 and promoted Midshipman, 28.2.1905; advanced Lieutenant, 1.10.1910, and appointed to H.M.S. Vulcan ´for Submarines´ 21.2.1911; served with the Royal Navy in submarines during the Great War; transferred to ´Submarine H6 in Command´, 6.5.1915. Submarine H6 was on patrol off the Dutch coast, 18.1.1916, when it ran aground on the Island of Scheirmonikoog. Attempts to pull the submarine off were not successful and it was decided to take off the crew. This was only partly achieved, the weather then deteriorated and, in all, only two Officers and ten ratings were rescued. Lieutenant Stopford and the remainder of the crew remained on board but were later taken off by the Dutch Navy and were interned in Holland for the remainder of the War. Promoted Lieutenant Commander, 1.10.1918; transferred to the Retired List with the rank of Commander, 1.10.1929; died 3.11.1949.

Sold for
£4,000