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Auction: 24112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 442

Four: Petty Officer H. J. Copland, Royal Navy, who served on H.M.S. Marvel at Jutland

1914-15 Star (J.20656, A. J. Copland, A.B., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.20656 A. J. Copland. A.B. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., (J.20656 A. J. Copland. P.O. H.M.S. Guardian.), light contact marks, polished and worn in parts, generally nearly very fine (4)

Arthur James Copland was born at Barton, Lincolnshire on 2 October 1896 and commenced his naval service as a Boy Second Class on H.M.S. Ganges on 20 October 1912. He was advanced to Able Seaman on H.M.S. Indefatigable in January 1915. He was serving onboard Marvel at the Battle of Jutland. Marvel was hit by a stray 12 in shell, but it did not explode. Shortly afterwards, the division saw the approaching line of the German Third Torpedo Boat Flotilla and attacked. The destroyer, along with the rest of the flotilla, sank the torpedo boat V48, previously disabled by the destroyer Shark. As the battle closed, the Flotilla spotted the retreating German line. The First Division was ordered to attack, and, using their superior speed, the destroyers sped ahead of the German ships. At about 2:00 AM on 1 June, Marvel swung round and, finding a good position to target the battleships, launched four torpedoes. They all missed.

Copland was paid a war gratuity when serving in H.M.S. Ramilles. Awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in January 1936, he was shore pensioned in October the same year; sold together with copied service papers.

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Sold for
£110

Starting price
£70