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Auction: 23112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 442

The campaign group of three awarded to Able Seaman R. Stone, Royal Navy, who became a Prisoner of War after the sinking of H.M.S. Nestor at the Battle of Jutland - an action which saw his skipper, the gallant Commander the Hon. Edward Bingham, earn a Victoria Cross; he also Recommended Stone be 'advanced' for his service during the heroic action

1914-15 Star (J.41506, R. Stone, A.B., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.41506 R. Stone. A.B. R.N.), good very fine

Just 177 British Seamen became Prisoners of War following the Battle of Jutland.

Robert Stone was born at Notting Dale and was a scaffolder by trade upon his joining the Royal Navy on 26 June 1915. Posted to H.M.S. Nestor on 11 May 1916, it would be a baptism of fire for Stone.

Jutland - in the drink

He was present at the Battle of Jutland, 31 May to 1 June 1916, when the Nestor, together with H.M.S. Nomad and H.M.S. Nicotar, launched an attack on the German Battle Cruisers; both Nestor and Nomad were sunk in the ensuing action, with the captain of the former, Commander the Hon. Edward Bingham, being awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry in leading the attack. Unleashed by Beatty at around 4 p.m. on 31 May, the destroyers of the 13th Flotilla made headlong for the enemy at a rate of 30 knots, those of the 2nd Division - under Bingham, V.C. in Nestor - bearing the brunt of 'an extremely warm welcome' from the German battlecruiser line.

The surviving crews of both ships were picked up by German Torpedo Boats, Stone being lucky to come away from the ordeal with his life and eventually be repatriated. It is interesting to note that Bingham himself singled out Stone to be 'Recommended for advancement for services rendered during Battle of Jutland.'

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Sold for
£480

Starting price
£140