Six: Chief Engine Room Artificer Second Class E. Amis, Royal Navy, who served in H.M.S. Euryalus during the Messina Earthquake Rescue Operations in December 1908

1914-15 Star (271805 E. Amis. E.R.A.3., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (271805 E. Amis. Act. C.E.R.A.2. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (271805 E. Amis. C.E.R.A.2. H.M.S. Egmont.); Russia, Empire, Medal for Bravery, Fourth Class, unnamed, an unofficial later striking in lemon-gilt; Italy, Kingdom, Messina Earthquake Medal 1908, silver, unnamed as issued, mounted as worn, generally very fine (6) £400-£500

Ernest Amis was born in Cromer, Norfolk, on 31 July 1888 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Artificer on 8 August 1904. He served in H.M.S. Euryalus from 18 August 1908 to 31 May 1909, and was present in her during the rescue operations following the Messina Earthquake in December 1908. Advanced Engine Room Artificer Third Class on 19 June 1912, he served during the Great War in H.M.S. Kent from 3 October 1915 to 10 June 1918, and saw further service in various shore-based establishments. Promoted Chief Engine Room Artificer Second Class on 1 October 1919, he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 14 October 1921, ands was shore pensioned on 11 October 1932. Recalled for War Service on 31 July 1939, he was shore invalided, ‘Permanently Unfit for Naval Service’ the following day.

Sold with four original Messina Earthquake postcards; copied service papers; and other research. The award of the Russian Medal is unconfirmed, but a large number of these awards were unGazetted.