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Auction: 24112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 444

Seven: Master-At-Arms J. Cross, Royal Navy who served on H.M.S. New Zealand at the Battle of Jutland

1914-15 Star (K.15338, J. Cross, Sto.1., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (K15338 J. Cross, Act. S.P.O. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R.,(M35535 J. Cross S.P.O. H.M.S. Laburnham.), trio polished otherwise nearly very fine and better (7)

John Cross was born at Exeter on 13 February 1892 and was a ploughman when he joined the Royal Navy on 23 July 1912 as a Stoker Second Class. After initial service on Vivid II he was posted to New Zealand on 23 November 1912 serving with her for the duration of the war.

H.M.S. New Zealand was one of three Indefatigable-class battlecruisers and was part of the 2nd Battle Cruiser Squadron at Jutland. She was the flagship of Rear Admiral William Christopher Pakenham and was commanded by John Frederick Ernest Green. During the battle she fired 420 twelve-inch shells more than any other ship on either side. Despite this, only four successful hits were credited to the battlecruiser: three on Seydlitz and one on the pre-dreadnought SMS Schleswig-Holstein. She was hit only once during the battle and sustained no casualties.

Cross left New Zealand on 10 February 1919 and continued to serve until being shore discharged on 22 July 1934 and recalled for service on 1 September 1939 being released from service on 8 June 1945; sold together with copied service papers and picture postcards of New Zealand and Warspite.

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Sold for
£160

Starting price
£70