Four: Commander E. J. J. Southby, Royal Navy

1914-15 Star (Lt. Commr., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Lt. Commr., R.N.); Italian War Cross, good very fine (4) £300-350

Italian War Cross London Gazette 22 January 1920.

Evelyn John James Southby was born in Darjeeling, India, on 6 August 1882, and joined the Royal Navy in September 1899. As a Lieutenant he had command of H.M.S. Sandpiper on the China station from 1910 to March 1912. During this period he incurred the severe displeasure of the C-in-C China for having ‘had two very good opportunities of dealing a blow to piracy on the West River but did nothing. Not recommended for command in the future.’ Despite this setback, Southby was promoted to Lieutenant-Commander in June 1913 and subsequently held several commands during the Great War. After a period as Assistant to Flag Captain, he was given command of H.M.S. Petunia in April 1916, and was commended for ‘exemplary conduct displayed and services rendered’ on the occasion of a fire on board a Greek ship at Malta on 8 September 1916. Southby remained in command of Petunia until December 1918 and finally retired in the rank of Commander in December 1925. Sold with copy service record.