Three: Leading Stoker W. C. Irving, Royal Navy, who was killed in action when H.M.S. Cressy was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-9 on 22 September 1914

1914-15 Star (300112 L. Sto., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (300112 L. Sto., R.N.); together with memorial plaque (William Charles Irving); illuminated memorial scroll; two group photographs, one of which is addressed to recipient’s mother, extremely fine (4) £300-350

William Charles Irving was born in Woolwich Ferry in 1882 and joined the Royal Navy in March 1902. He was killed in action on 22 September 1914 and his name is commemorated on the Chatham Memorial.

The Aboukir, together with her sister ships the Hogue and Cressy, part of the 7th Cruiser Squadron, were engaged in blockade and patrol duties in the southern part of the North Sea. At 6.30 on 22 September 1914 the Aboukir was torpedoed by the U-9. Believing that the ship had struck a mine, the Hogue and Cressy stopped to rescue the survivors, oblivious of the danger lurking beneath the waves. Shortly afterwards torpedoes from the U-9 sent the Hogue and then the Cressy to the bottom. The loss of life in this disaster was heavy, with some 1,400 men being lost from the three ships.

Sold with comprehensive research, including copied service papers and an original but unrelated postcard depicting H.M.S. Cressy.