A ‘Queen Victoria’s funeral’ R.V.M. group of three awarded to Petty Officer (Rigger) 1st Class J. Whitcher, Royal Navy

Royal Victorian Medal, V.R., silver, unnamed as issued; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension (J. Whitcher, P.O. 1 Cl. (Rigger), H.M.Y. Victoria & Albert.) impressed naming; Jubilee 1897, bronze, unnamed as issued, light contact marks, therefore very fine (3) £380-£460

Oliver Stirling Lee Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, December 2004.

John Whitcher was born in Southampton in September 1856, and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 1st Class in September 1873. Not having witnessed any active service, Whitcher joined the royal yacht Victoria & Albert in October 1882, the beginning of a lengthy commission that saw him gain advancement to Petty Officer 1st Class in March 1895, the year in which he also received his L.S. & G.C. Medal. Indeed, Whitcher remained employed in the royal yacht until pensioned ashore in May 1901, shortly after he had been awarded his R.V.M. for services at Queen Victoria’s funeral.

Sold with copied service papers and research.