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Auction: 23112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 444

Three: Able Seaman J. W. Seager, Royal Navy, who saw action at Heligoland Bight and Jutland with the destroyer Lydiard

1914-15 Star (J.13018, J. W. Seager, A.B., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.13018 J. W. Seager. A.B. R.N.), pitting, very fine (3)

Joseph William Seager was born at Bromley, Kent on 25 May 1895 and worked as a hairdresser prior to enlisting as Boy Class II on 12 July 1911. He served with a number of vessels including Russell, Actaeon and Pathfinder, being ashore at Pemboke I on the outbreak of the Great War. Advanced Able Seaman just before the war began he was to serve with this role aboard H.M.S. Lydiard from 24 June 1914.

Lydiard was part of the 3rd Destroyer Flotilla at the Battle of Heligoland Bight and this unit was at the forefront of the action. Whilest the damaged light cruiser S.M.S. Mainz attempted to escape the battle she accidentally came into the path of the Flotilla. A number of warships scored hits on Mainz but Lydiard is credited with landing the only torpedo hit upon her. The result of this damage was that Mainz had to be scuttled, a major success for the British.

Seager was still with Lydiard when she steamed into action at the Battle of Jutland. The Laforey-class destroyers were unable to keep pace with the Battlecruiser fleet and as such most didn't see action until the night. Lydiard was leading her squadron- which had lost touch with the fleet- only to run into the High Seas Fleet in the dark. The result was that Petard took a battering and Turbulent was sunk, Lydiard however crossed the line unscathed.

Remaining with the Lydiard for the rest of the war Seager served with number of vessels over the coming years including Royal Arthur, Pandora and Ramillies. He was pensioned on 24 May 1935; sold together with a copied service record.

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Sold for
£75

Starting price
£60