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Auction: 20003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 386

(x) 'Yet another Jerseyman, 1st Class Petty Officer Samuel Edward Rumsey made the supreme sacrifice at the naval battle on 31 May. This gallant sailor was the son of the later Captain James Rumsey and Mrs Rumsey of this Island. He was in his 39th year and had served with distinction for many years in the senior branch of the services, latterly on HMS Defence, on which ship he was killed. We offer the relatives our sincerest sympathy.'

Jersey Evening Post 14 June 1916, refers

A poignant campaign group of five awarded to Chief Ship's Cook S. E. Rumsey, Royal Navy, who was killed in action when H.M.S. Defence was sunk at the Battle of Jutland

1914-15 Star (341501. S. E. Rumsey. Ch. Sh. Ck., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (341501. S. E. Rumsey. Ch. Sh. Ck., R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (341501. S. E. Rumsey, Ch. Sh. Ck., R.N.); Great War Bronze Memorial Plaque (Samuel Edward Rumsey), good very fine (5)

Samuel Edward Rumsey was born on Jersey on 24 January 1877, the son of Captain James Rumsey. A cook by trade, he entered the Royal Navy as Cook's Mate on 15 April 1897. Advanced Chief Ship's Cook aboard Impregnable on 22 July 1911, he was awarded his L.S. & G.C. on 20 April 1912. Joining Defence on 2 September 1913, he was killed in action on 31 May 1916 at the Battle of Jutland. The Defence was the flagship of Rear-Admiral Sir Robert Arbuthnot, and led the First Cruiser Squadron during the battle. She was engaged by the German battlecruiser S.M.S. Derfflinger and several other battleships, resulting in her being hit by two salvoes which caused the detonation of a magazine and surrounding ammunition. All hands, 54 officers, 845 ratings and four civilians, Rumsey included, were killed in action. He is commemorated upon the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

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Sold for
£600

Starting price
£300