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Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 635

The Cape Helles Landing D.S.M. awarded to Ordinary Seaman H. C. Rayner, Royal Navy

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (J.16065. H. C. Rayner. Ord. Sean. Gallipoli Opns. 1915-16.), suspension slack, contact wear and light edge bruising, very fine

D.S.M. London Gazette 15 May 1916.

Henry Charles Rayner was born at Rochford, Essex on 4 September 1895 and enlisted with the Royal Navy on 27 February 1912. His first posting afloat was as a Boy Class I with the battleship Russell before joining Agammemnon on 19 February 1913, achieving his majority with her on 4 September that year. She was stationed with the Channel Fleet on the outbreak of the Great War however she was ordered join the British Dardanelles Squadron in February 1915.

Engaged in the initial attempts to force a passage of the Dardanelles early in the campaign she was later ordered to support the Landings at Helles Point on 25 April 1915. Four men aboard Agammemnon were felt to have performed exceptionally during the landings of which Rayner was one.

He continued to serve with the Battleship until 15 July 1915 before removing to the destroyer Honeysuckle which was largely utilised as a minesweeper for the rest of the war. Rayner remained with her until 9 April 1917 when he went ashore and spent the rest of the war serving in destroyers for short periods of time.

Invalided from service on 4 June 1919 his service records note 'Invalided (Gunshot wound…)' the wound had caused further medical complications which had led to a deterioration in his health. He later died at Canterbury, Kent in September 1968.

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Sold for
£480

Starting price
£320