Five: Second Hand G. C. Lawrence, Royal Naval Reserve, a survivor of the sinking of the armed merchant cruiser Corunthia in June 1940

1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Naval Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 2nd issue (17892.A., G, C. Lawrence. P.O. R.N.R.) good very fine (5) £80-£100

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of David Lloyd.

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George Charles Lawrence was born at Brixham, Devon, on 17 January 1915, and joined the Royal Naval Reserve, Lowestoft Division, on 16 November 1934. During the Second World war he saw service at sea in the armed merchant cruiser Carinthia from 22 November 1939, until she was torpedoed by U-46 west of Galway Bay on 6 June 1940. The U-boat left the stricken ship to her fate but most of her crew were rescued, with the loss of two officers and two ratings only. He next served aboard H.M.S. Reading from 12 November 1940 to 2 January 1942, followed by service ashore until posted as Petty Officer to the newly commissioned cruiser Black Prince on 21 October 1943, serving on Arctic convoys until 28 January 1944, when he again went ashore. He was presented with his R.N.R. L.S. & G.C. medal on 29 December 1944, promoted to War Second Hand on 19 January 1945, and was discharged from the service on 21 December 1948. Sold with Certificate of Service, Gunnery History Sheet, Certificate of Discharge from R.N.R. and other original documents.