Three: Private W. Huggins, Royal Marine Light Infantry, who served on H.M.S. Vindictive in the Zeebrugge Raid, and was killed in action, 23 April 1918. His name was included in the V.C. ballot for the latter action

1914-15 Star (PO.12926 Pte. W. Huggins, R & M. L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (PO.12926 Pte. W. Huggins. R.M.L.I.); Memorial Plaque (William Huggins) generally good very fine (lot) £600-800

William Huggins resided at 15 Ferrol Road, Gosport. He served during the Great War as a Private in the Royal Marine Light Infantry, and was present aboard H.M.S. Vindictive for the Zeebrugge Raid, 23 April 1918. The Zeebrugge Raid, in particular, was a remarkably daring enterprise, as naval and marine storming parties landed on the Mole from the Vindictive, Daffodil and Iris to act as a diversion while block ships filled with concrete were sailed into the canal entrance and sunk. Casualties were heavy and such was the bravery of all those involved aboard the three vessels that Article 13 of the Victoria Cross warrant was invoked. This stipulates that, when a corps or unit so distinguishes itself as to make it impossible to single out individuals, crosses should be awarded by a ballot of those who survived. Two VCs were awarded to the Royal Marines by this method and another two to the naval personnel. In the case of the naval contingent, the highest number of votes went to Captain Carpenter, the commander of the Vindictive, and AB McKenzie, who was among those who stormed the Mole.

Under Article 13, all those who did not receive the VC had their records of service annotated to the effect that they had participated in the ballot for the VC. This applied to all those who crossed to Zeebrugge on the Vindictive, Daffodil and Iris, whether they were killed, wounded or survived. Huggins was killed during the raid, and at the request of his widow, he was buried in St. Ann’s Hill Cemetery, Gosport. His tombstone reads, ‘PO.12926 Pte. W. Huggins R.M.L.I. Killed in Action at the landing of R.M. Battalion at Zeebrugge from H.M.S. Vindictive April 23rd 1918, erected by the Po. Division, R.M.L.I. and his wife Mrs D. E. Huggins.’

Sold with the following original items and documents: a piece of the “Mole” from Zeebrugge mounted on card, which is annotated ‘brought back from Naval Raid 22/23rd April 1918’; Admiralty Enclosure for recipient’s campaign awards, addressed to ‘Mrs D. E. Huggins’ and dated 3 April 1923; two named card boxes of issue for campaign awards; three telegrams to recipient’s wife concerning his death and burial, one of which informs her that he was ‘killed in action on 23 April 1918’; small portrait photograph of recipient in uniform inserted in a brooch; nautical chart of the Zeebrugge Harbour.