Four: Stoker First Class J. Towl, Royal Navy, who was killed in action when H.M.S. Valkyrie struck a mine in the North Sea on 22 December 1917

1914-15 Star (301983 J. Towl. Sto. 1. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (301983 J. Towl. Sto. 1. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (301983. John Towl, Sto. 1 Cl. H.M.S. Dido.), very fine and better (4) £140-£180

John Towl was born on 10 March 1883, at Launceston, Cornwall, and commenced naval service as a Stoker Second Class in H.M.S. Vivid II, on 17 November 1892. He was advanced to Stoker First Class, H.M.S. Sapphire II, on 1 July 1906, and served during the Great War in H.M.S. Valkyrie from 6 June 1917. Valkyrie joined the 10th Destroyer Flotilla as leader, forming part of the Harwich Force, and carrying out offensive sweeps and convoy escort operations. On 22 December 1917, Valkyrie was part of the escort for a convoy to the Netherlands when she struck a mine. Twelve men were killed, with seven more men dying of wounds in the next few days. Towl was amongst those killed, and is buried in St. Thomas’ Cemetery, Launceston, Cornwall.

This lot is now combined with the recipient’s Memorial Plaque from Lot 487