Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 24112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 517

An unusual campaign group of eight awarded to Stoker Petty Officer E. Mitchell, Royal Navy late Essex Regiment, who had service with the Army during the Great War and later joined the Royal Navy for service in the Baltic with Vendetta, remaining with the 'Senior Service' for the Second World War aboard Faulknor

British War and Victory Medals (46067 Pte. E. Mitchell. Essex R.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, with France and Germany clasp; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R. (k.57403 E. G. Mitchell. S.P.O. H.M.S. Excellent.), mounted as worn, heavy polishing, contact wear overall, nearly very fine (8)

Edwin Jacob Mitchell was born at Croydon, Surrey on 17 April 1900 and lied about his age in order to enlist with the Essex Regiment for service in the Great War. Enlisting with the Royal Navy upon the end of the war he was posted as Leading Stoker to Vendetta in 1919. She was part of the action which saw the Spartak grounded and later the capture of the destroyer Lennuk.

Remaining with the Royal Navy Mitchell was appointed Stoker Petty Officer on 20 September 1931 aboard Stuart. Mitchell was coming towards the end of his service when the Second World War began and he was posted to the destroyer Faulknor in October 1939. Pensioned just three days later he was to remain with her on War Service for the duration of the conflict.

This vessel saw very heavy action throughout the war, starting with service during the Norwegian campaign. After which she was posted to North Africa, screening the British fleet during Operation Catapult. Multiple runs to Malta and action at the Battle of Cape Spartivento followed as well as a stint with Force H, hunting the Bismark.

Posted North in 1942 Faulknor was ordered to undertake a convoy protection role. In the course of this she served in both the Atlantic and the Arctic, covering many convoys which undertook the Murmansk run. Returning to the Mediterranean she undertook service covering the landings during Operation Husky and the invasion of Italy. Finally they returned to Britain for service in Operation Neptune, the Normandy Landings, this was to be her last major service of the war other than accepting the surrender of the German Garrison on Guernsay. Mitchell was demobilised on 18 October 1945; 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
£170

Starting price
£100