Four: Temporary Chief Petty Officer C. B. Balding, Royal Navy

1914-15 Star (J.36634, C. B. Balding, Ord. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.36634 C. B. Balding A.B. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (J.36634. C. B. Balding. L.S. H.M.S. Kent.), mounted as worn, the first three somewhat worn, with edge bruising and contact marks, therefore good fine, the last better (4) £100-£140

Charles Benjamin Balding was born on 16 November 1897, at Clapton, London, and commenced his naval service as a Boy Second Class in H.M.S. Vivid I, on 16 March 1915. He was advanced to Ordinary Seaman, H.M.S. Caervarvon, on 16 November 1915, and Able Seaman, 3 August 1916. He returned to H.M.S. Pembroke I, prior to a posting to the ‘C’ class light cruiser, H.M.S. Calliope, in September 1917, and remained in her for the remainder of the Great War. He was advanced to Leading Seaman, H.M.S. Columbine (Walpole), in January 1926, and Petty Officer, H.M.S. Osprey (Torrid), in July 1933. He was shore pensioned in November 1937, but was recalled for service in July 1939, serving in H.M.S. Electra, H.M.S. Hornet and H.M.S. Wasp. He was promoted Temporary Chief Petty Officer in March 1945, and was released from service in September 1945.