Six: Petty Officer L. F. Svensson, Royal Navy, who served in H.M.S. Exmouth during the Messina Earthquake Rescue Operations of December 1908

1914-15 Star (234708, L. F. Svensson, A.B., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (234708 L. F. Svensson. L.S. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (234708 L. F. Svensson. P.O. H.M.S. Dolphion.); Italy, Kingdom, Messina Earthquake Medal 1908, silver, unnamed as issued; Marine Society Reward of Merit, silver (Leon F. Suensson [sic] 16. Sept. 1919) mounted court-style for wear, light contact marks, very fine (6) £400-£500

Leon Frederick Svensson was born in Epping, Essex, on 20 May 1889 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 14 September 1905. He was posted to H.M.S. Exmouth on 25 May 19907, and was promoted Able Seaman on 30 August 1908, serving in the Exmouth in the aftermath of the Messina Earthquake of December of that year, although he was not one of the ratings that was actually landed from the ship in order to participate in the rescue operations. He saw further service during the Great War in a variety of ships and shore based establishments, including H.M.S. Blenheim from 2 December 1914 to 11 January 1916. Promoted Leading Seaman on 23 April 1916, and Petty Officer on 3 August 1920, he served in the Submarine Depot Ship H.M.S. Dolphin from 4 December 1917 to 4 September 1924, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 26 May 1922. He was shore pensioned on 16 April 1929 and joined the Royal Fleet Reserve on 20 May 1929.

Sold with the original named envelope for the Messina Earthquake Medal; and copied record of service.