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Auction: 21003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 394

A well-documented Second World War campaign group of five awarded to Able Seaman R. Barber, Royal Navy, who was wounded when H.M.S. Huntley was sunk by enemy aircraft off Mersa Matruh in January 1941

1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine (5)

Ronald Barber was born in Salford, Lancashire, about 1916.

His date of entry into naval service is unknown but, as verified by accompanying documentation, he was serving in the minesweeper H.M.S. Huntley when she was sunk by enemy aircraft 30 miles north-west of Mersa Matruh on 31 January 1941. He was among the survivors but 18 of his shipmates were killed and his captain, Lieutenant-Commander E. S. Cotsell, R.N.R., afterwards died of wounds.

Barber later served in the Fairmile B-class M.L. 140, which motor launch was present in operations off Normandy in June 1944, in addition to undertaking minesweeping missions off the Dutch coast.
Sold with a quantity of original documentation and uniform, including:

(i)
The recipient's Certificate for Wounds and Hurts, in the name of 'D/SSX. 20212 Able Seaman Ronald Barber', issued in respect of a 'contusion of left shoulder' received on the loss of H.M.S. Huntley on 31 January 1941, 'when the ship was attacked and sunk by enemy aircraft.'

(ii)
His official G.VI.R. copy of the New Testament, the inside cover inscribed, 'R. Barber, R.N., D/SSX. 20212'

(iii)
A wartime photograph of the recipient, on deck, in oilskins, and a photographic postcard of Motor Launch (M.L.) 140, as sent to his wife in July 1945.

(iv)
A black silk 'Nelson Commemorative Scarf', and the linen upper section of a blue-collared rating's tunic.
(v)
Three Royal Naval Temperance Association medals, in gilt-metal / white metal and enamel.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£85

Starting price
£60