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Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 439

Four: Private F. J. King, Royal Marine Light Infantry, who landed at Ostend in 1914 and later saw action at Jutland

1914 Star, with clasp and rosette (PO.8187. Pte. F. J. King, R. M. Brigade); British War and Victory Medals (PO. 8187 Pte. F. J. King, R.M.L.I.); Royal Fleet Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (PO. 8187 A.1296 F. J. King. Mne. R.F.R.), mounted as worn, the Victory medal detached from the mounting bar, good very fine (4)

Frederick John King was born at Stonehouse, Devon on 17 November 1881 and enlisted with the Royal Marines on 14 May 1896. He was initially underage and served as a Bugler from 12 June 1896-14 March 1901. He continued to serve seeing a number of postings including Hong Kong, Gibraltar and Malta, before joining the Portsmouth Division where he was serving on the outbreak of the Great War.

King was part of the Ostend landing intended to deny the Germans the use of submarine basis on the Belgian Coast. He remained there until 1 September when he was withdrawn, slightly prior to the main withdrawal of the force which occurred at the end of the month.

Posted to the light cruiser Inconstant he was present with her at the Battle of Jutland in 1916. There she formed part of the 1st Light Cruise Squadron, twice engaging enemy cruisers during the Battle and witnessing the doomed run of Black Prince and Defence. Remaining with her after the Battle King was posted ashore in 1918 and received his 1914 Star at Gosport in 1919, he was pensioned the following year, sold together with copied paperwork.

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Sold for
£250

Starting price
£80