Four: Stoker W. Stokes, Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Reserve

1914-15 Star (295288 W. Stokes. Sto. 1., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (295288 W. Stokes. Sto. 1 R.N.); Royal Fleet Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (295288 Dev. B.1800 W. Stokes. Sto. 1. R.F.R.) nearly extremely fine (4) £70-£90

William Stokes, a gardener from Bristol, Somerset was born on 8 March 1881. Enlisting in the Royal Navy on 5 June 1900, he was discharged on 1 August 1906 by Shore Purchase, and subsequently joined the Royal Fleet Reserve before being discharged on 4 December 1911. Recalled for service during the Great War, he served in H.M.S. Canopus on the South America Station, and was present when she fired the first shots of the First Battle of the Falklands, December 1914. He later served in H.M.S. Devonshire. He was discharged on 12 April 1921, and reverting to the Royal Fleet Reserve was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 14 September 1921.