Seven: Chief Mechanician S. L. Pritchard, Royal Navy

1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, clasp, France and Germany; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; U.N. Korea, these all unnamed; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 1st issue (KX.96353 Mech. 1, H.M.S. Condor), mounted for display, some contact marks, very fine (7) £180-220

Sidney Louis Pritchard was born in Brighton on 14 November 1918. A General Building Labourer by occupation, he volunteered for service in the Royal Navy on 14 February 1939. Ranked as a Stoker 2nd Class, he posted to the destroyer Hereward in July 1939 and served on board her until January 1941, being promoted to Stoker 1st Class in December 1939. The Hereward was later sunk on 29 May 1941 during the evacuation of Crete. He then served on the cutter Gorlston (ex U.S.S. Itasca), June 1941-September 1942. Advanced to Acting Stoker Petty Officer in February 1944 whilst on the Brissenden and Temporary Stoker Petty Officer in February 1945 when on the minesweeper Boston, he ended the war on the Easton, April-October 1945. Ranked as Mechanician 3rd Class in July 1949, he served on the Osprey, October 1949-July 1951, during which time he was promoted to Mechanician 1st Class. Pritchard was awarded the L.S. & G.C. in 1954 and attained the rank of Chief Mechanician in July 1956 when on the Hornet. He was pensioned ashore on 13 February 1961.

Sold with a quantity of original paperwork fully illustrating his naval service, including: R.N. Higher Educational Certificate, 2nd Class, 1949; R.N. Passing Out Examination of Mechanician Candidates Certificate, 1949; Certificates of Capability of Mechanicians, 1953-54; Certificate of Trade and Engineering Experience; G.C.E. ‘O’ Level Certificates (2), 1959 & 1960; other certificates (3); History Sheet for Stoker Ratings (2) (damaged), Certificate of Service (damaged), with envelope; Emergency Certificate with photograph. All medals confirmed.