The Collection of Medals Formed by Bill and Angela Strong

A fine Battle of Jutland group of five awarded to Commander R. W. Bromley, Royal Navy, whose gallant actions aboard the heavy cruiser Warrior, in spite of serious wounds, earned him Italian and Russian decorations

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, no clasp (Sub. Lieut. R. W. Bromley, R.N., H.M.S. Gibraltar); 1914-15 Star (Lt. Commr. R. W. Bromley, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaf (Commr. R. W. Bromley, R.N.); Russian Order of St Anne, 3rd class with swords in gold and enamels by Eduard, 37x37mm, ‘56’ zolotnik mark on eyelet, kokoshnik marks on sword hilts, replacement ring suspension; Al Valore Militare, silver, mint mark crowned Z over F.G, unnamed as issued, mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (6) £2500-3000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection.

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M.I.D. London Gazette 15 September 1916 (Admiral Sir John Jellicoe’s ‘Jutland’ Despatch): Recommended for promotion to Commander - Richard Wyville Bromley.

“Remained exposed outside the conning tower, and, in spite of being wounded in leg, arm and neck, took his captain personal reports of various damages suffered and got the ship in tow afterwards.”

Order of St Anne, 3rd Class (with Swords) London Gazette 5 June 1917: ‘For distinguished services rendered at the battle of Jutland.’

Al Valore Militare London Gazette 17 November 1917.

At 5.57 p.m. on 31st May, Warrior and Defence opened fire on 3 or 4 German light cruisers and inflicted damage on them; shortly after 6.10 p.m. these two ships came under fire from the German battle cruisers and, at 6.16 p.m., Defence was hit by two salvoes of heavy shells causing her magazine to blow up and she sank. The Warrior was also badly damaged, having been hit by 6 shells from heavy guns, and 15 shells from medium and light shells. She suffered 1 officer and 70 ratings killed, and 2 officers and 25 ratings wounded. Warrior was eventually taken in tow by the Engadine but had to be abandoned after the crew had been taken off and she sank in heavy weather in the afternoon of 1st June 1916.

Richard Wyville Bromley was born at Leith Vale, Bromley, on 28 August 1880, son of Captain A. Bromley, R.N., and joined the Navy as a midshipman on 25 March 1897, gaining 10 months time on passing out of Britannia. Promoted to Commander for services at the battle of Jutland, Bromley was placed on half pay in March 1919 and transferred to the Retired List in June 1920. He died on 9 July 1950. Sold with copied service record and other research.