Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 25112 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 636

The 'Battle of Jutland' D.S.M. awarded to Able Seaman J. C. Leathers, Royal Navy

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (196529. J. C. Leathers, A.B., H.M.S. Narwhal. 31. May. - 1. June. 1916.), pitting, very fine

Note, one of two such awards to the ship.

D.S.M. London Gazette 15 September 1915

John Cripps Leathers was born on 6 April 1881 at Marylebone, London, one of five children born to John Leathers, a coachman, and his wife Charlotte. He attested with the Royal Navy on his eighteenth birthday, engaging to complete twelve years of service. He began his naval career as a Boy Second Class with H.M.S. Impregnable, swiftly being promoted Boy First Class and Ordinary Seaman soon afterwards. Leathers was serving with Repulse when he was advanced Able Seaman in 1901, and later with Illustrious when he was rated Leading Seaman in 1907.

At the close of his twelve-year engagement on 6 April 1911, Leathers extended his period of engagement. For reasons unknown, in 1914 whilst serving with Andromache he reverted to Able Seaman. It was in this rank he was serving during the Battle of Jutland aboard 'M'-class destroyer H.M.S. Narwhal, for which Leathers was awarded his D.S.M.

Narwhal was a member of the Twelfth Destroyer Flotilla at the Battle of Jutland on 31 May - 1 June 1915. During the Battle, she launched two torpedoes from her port side at the German High Seas Fleet, both of which unfortunately missed.

After the Battle of Jutland, Leathers returned to the rank of Leading Seaman and served with a number of ships prior to the close of the War. His medals were sent to him while he was with Hecla in 1920. His final posting was aboard Pembroke I, who he left on 28 July 1921 upon his demobilisation.

Following his time at sea, Leathers found work as a postman. He was later married to the 29-year-old widow Ms. Mary Barker at St. Martin's Church in Willesden, London on 18 September 1926, at which time they were living there together at 24 Burrows Road. The couple appear on the 1939 register as living at 31 Burrows Road, Willesden, with Leathers working as a cleaner. They continued to reside in Willesden, where Leathers later died in Spring 1943. He is further entitled to a 1914-15 Star trio; 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
£500

Starting price
£320