Three: Chief Ship’s Cook G. H. Gower, Royal Navy

British War and Victory Medals (340632 Ch. Sh. Ck., R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (340632 Ch. Sh. Cook, H.M.S. London)

Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (145949 Frederick Stagg, Off. Cook 1Cl., H.M.S. London) very fine and better (4) £100-140

George Henry Gower was born in Westerham, Kent on 12 February 1876. A Farm Labourer by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Navy as a 2nd Cook’s Mate on 27 April 1895. He was promoted to Cook’s Mate in November 1896 when at H.M.S. Pembroke I; Acting 2nd Ship’s Cook in October 1901, again on Pembroke I; 2nd Ship’s Cook in May 1902 when at H.M.S. Duke of Wellington; and Ship’s Cook in October 1906 when on H.M.S. Triton. Appointed Acting Chief Cook in March 1908 when on H.M.S. Hyacinth, he was confirmed in that rate in November 1909 when on H.M.S. Magnificent. Awarded the L.S. & G.C. in May 1910. Served throughout the Great War on H.M.S. Cyclops, November 1813-October 1917; Pembroke I, November-December 1917 and Lowestoft, December 1917-June 1919. With copied service papers.

Frederick Staff was born in Lambeth, Surrey on 9 February 1870. He entered the Royal Navy as a Domestic 2nd Class in July 1888. Advanced to Domestic 1st Class in July 1889 when on H.M.S. Narcissus, reverted to 2nd Class on H.M.S. Conquest, March 1892 and to 1st Class once more in February 1897 when on H.M.S. Calliope. Awarded the L.S. & G.C. Medal in October 1906. Appointed Officer’s Cook 1st Class in January 1908 when on H.M.S. Drake. Discharged with cirrhosis of the lungs in April 1911. With copied service paper.