Four: Petty Officer S. Coombes, Royal Navy, who served with the Nile Flotilla in Egypt and the Sudan 1884-85

1914-15 Star (107302, S. Coombes, P.O. 1., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (107302 S. Coombes. P.O. 1 R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (107302 Silas Coombes, P.O. 1 Cl. H.M.S. Research.) nearly extremely fine (4) £100-£140

Silas Coombes was born on 12 March 1863 and commenced naval service as Boy Second Class in H.M.S. Boscawen on 10 January 1879. He was advanced to Ordinary Seaman, H.M.S. Hercules on 12 March 1881, and Able Seaman, H.M.S. Monarch, on 1 October 1882. He saw subsequent service in several ships including H.M.S. Invincible, H.M.S. Monarch (in the Nile Flotilla), H.M.S. Hibernia, H.M.S. Thunderer and H.M.S. Royal Adelaide. He was advanced to Leading Seaman, H.M.S. Boadicea on 1 July 1888, and Petty Officer Second Class in April 1889, but reverted to Able Seaman on 7 July 1890. He subsequently transferred to the Coast Guard Service being appointed Boatman, at Kingstown in October 1892. He was promoted Commissioned Boatman on 1 October 1901.

Coombes reverted to naval service and during the Great War served in H.M.S. Victory, H.M.S. Vernon, H.M.S. Victory VII (Quail) and H.M.S. Research (Swan and Sully). He was demobilised in 1919.