Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 24112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 445

Four: Chief Engine Room Artificer J. R. Smith, Royal Naval Reserve, who served on the Sea Plane Carrier H.M.S. Engadine at the Battle of Jutland

1914 -15 Star (EA.951, J. R. Smith, E.R.A., R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals (951 EA J. R. Smith. C.E.R.A. R.N.R.); Royal Naval Reserve Long Service & Good Conduct, G.V.R. (143 E.C. J. R. Smith. C.E.R.A. R.N.R.), very fine (4)

John Ralph Smith was born on 14 February 1885 at Wallsend and was a fitter Wallsend Slipway when he joined the Royal Naval Reserve on 19 September 1911.

He was posted to Engadine on 18 August 1914, a seaplane-carrier attached to Vice Admiral Beatty's Battlecruiser fleet during the Battle of Jutland. Originally a cross-channel packet, she was converted in 1914-15 by the addition of hangars forward and aft, with derricks fitted for lowering the seaplanes onto the water and recovering them.

She was capable of carrying four seaplanes for reconnaissance and bombing. It was a seaplane from Engadine, flown by Flight Lieutenant Frederick Rutland R.N.A.S., first sighted the leading scouting cruisers of the German High Seas Fleet at 1530 on 31 May. Later in the Battle, Engadine was engaged in towing the badly damaged cruiser Warrior and rescuing her crew when Warrior eventually sank.

Smith was discharged to shore on 3 February 1919; sold together with copied research.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£200

Starting price
£70