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Auction: 24112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 504

'Caught in a blaze of searchlights she became the target of every German gun that could bear upon her and was swiftly destroyed'

The Great War campaign pair awarded to Stoker 1st Class G. E. Greetham, Royal Navy, who was killed in action at the Battle of Jutland, 1 June 1916 whilst serving aboard H.M.S. Ardent

British War and Victory Medals (K.21785 Sto. 1, G. E. Greetham. R.N.), extremely fine (2)

George Edward Greetham was born at Leeds, West Yorkshire, on 11 May 1894. A machinist by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Navy as a Stoker Second Class on 28 January 1914.

On the outbreak of war, Greetham was serving on the destroyer Racehorse, April 1914-January 1915, being advanced to Stoker 1st Class in December 1914. He was posted to the destroyer Ardent and the depot ship Hecla in January 1915.

The Ardent formed part of the 4th Destroyer Flotilla of the Grand Fleet at the Battle of Jutland, 31 May-1 June 1916. In the early hours of 1 June, the lone destroyer ran foul of the German fleet as it steamed through the 'soft tail' of Grand Fleet. Caught in a blaze of searchlights she became the target of every German gun that could bear upon her and was swiftly destroyed. Four officers and 74 ratings, including Stoker Greetham, were killed and only one officer and one rating survived the sinking; sold together with copy service papers.


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Sold for
£120

Starting price
£70