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Auction: 24111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 532

(x) Six: Master At Arms J. J. Upton, Royal Navy

1914-15 Star (230511. J. J. Upton, L. Sig., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (230511 J. J. Upton. Y.S. R.N.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (230511 J. J. Upton. R.P.O. H.M.S. Pembroke.), mounted as worn, very fine (6)

James John Upton was born at Whitehead, Antrim on 9 November 1887 and joined the Royal Navy in November 1904. During the Great War he served on Russell from April 1914-May 1916, which would have seen him share in the bombardment of German submarine facilities at Zeebrugge on 23 November 1914 in company with Exmouth. She also served off Gallipoli, sharing in the evacuation of Cape Helles from 7-9 January 1916, being the last battleship of the British Dardanelles Squadron to leave the area. Russell was then steaming off Malta early on the morning of 27 April 1916 when she struck two mines laid by U-73. A fire broke out in the after part of the ship and the order to abandon ship was passed; after an explosion near the after 12-inch (305 mm) turret, she took on a dangerous list. She sank slowly, but 27 Officers and 98 ratings were lost. The wreck was first dived in 2003 and lies in 63 fathoms (115 m) of water about 6km from the Delimara peninsula. Her stern was blown off by the mine.

Upton then joined TB-20, a Cricket-class Torpedo Boat, from May-November 1916 and was pensioned in November 1927. Returned to the fold during the Second World War, he served at St Judno from February 1940 and Pullenborough Pier from October 1940, being released in December 1944.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£120

Starting price
£50