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Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 495

(x) The campaign group of six awarded to Petty Officer E. D. Maxfield, Royal Navy, who survived the sinking of the armed merchant cruiser Scotstoun in June 1940

British War and Victory Medals (J.57020 E. D. Maxfield. Ord.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (J.57020 E. D. Maxfield. L.S. H.M.S. Courageous.), mounted as worn, heavy contact marks and edge bruising, overall nearly very fine (6)

Ernest Douglas Maxfield was born at Brighton, Sussex on 4 October 1900 and enlisted with the Royal Navy as Boy Class II on 15 August 1916. He served ashore until 1917 when he was posted to Ajax, reaching his majority with her on 7 October 1918. Advanced Able Seaman in 1919 he was further promoted Leading Seaman with Iron Duke in 1925.

Maxfield remained in service being promoted Petty Officer on 1 September 1937. On the outbreak of the Second World War he was posted to the armed merchant cruiser Scotstoun which was serving with the 10th Cruiser Squadron. She was serving in the Northern Patrol out of Clyde when she was torpedoed and sunk by U-25. One local newspaper the John o' Groat Journal reported on the heroism of the guns crews stating:

'By this time the men had taken to the boats. Eight lifeboats were launched, and a motor launch overturned as she was being released from the davits. The men on her were thrown into the water and had to be picked up by the other boats.
The Scotstoun began to sink by the stern, but the gun crew continued at their posts in an endeavour to sink the attacker. Only the periscope was visible, about 250 yards away.'

Unfortunately they were unable to make contact with their attacker who escaped retribution, however Maxfield also escaped along with most of the crew. He returned to service briefly but was invalided on 26 March 1941.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£110

Starting price
£80