Four: Blacksmith First Class A. Hingston, Royal Navy, who survived the sinking of H.M.S. Drake by the German submarine U-79 on 2 October 1917

1914-15 Star (344246, A. Kingston [sic], Blk., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (344246 A. Hingston. Blk. 1 R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (344246 Alfred Hingston Blkth. H.M.S. Drake.) minor official correction to ship on last, edge bruising and contact marks, nearly very fine (4) £100-£140

Alfred Hingston was born on 1 December 1881, at Kingsbridge, Devon, and commenced naval service as a Blacksmith’s Mate, H.M.S. Vivid II, on 19 June 1901. He was advanced to Blacksmith, H.M.S. Berwick, on 28 September 1913, and during the Great War he served in H.M.S. Berwick, H.M.S. Vivid II, H.M.S. Drake and H.M.S. London. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1916, and was present in the cruiser H.M.S. Drake when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-79, on 2 October 1917. He was shore pensioned as Blacksmith First Class on 18 June 1923.