Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (269794 W. J. Walters, C.E.R.A. H.M.S. Dolphin) nearly extremely fine £50-70

William James Walters was born in Nottingham on 24 June 1878. A Fitter & Turner by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Navy as an Acting Engine Room Artificer 4th Class on 3 July 1899. He was confirmed in that rank when on Resolution in October 1900 and advanced to E.R.A. 3rd Class in July 1902 when on the Duke of Wellington, to E.R.A. 2nd Class in September 1906 when on Victory I, Acting Chief Engine Room Artificer 2nd Class in December 1910 when on Mercury and C.E.R.A. 2nd Class in December 1911 when on Arrogant. As such he was transferred to H.M.S. Dolphin (R.N. submarine school) in August 1912 and was still there when advanced to C.E.R.A. 1st Class in December 1916. His records indicate he was a key man, in that every effort was made to retain his services despite being severely injured and invalided to Haslar during the early years of the war - his papers state that his ‘Left leg amputated above knee joint’. He was transferred on 1 April 1926 to ‘MX.4554 on reduction of pay. With copied service paper.