The Collection of Medals Formed by Bill and Angela Strong

Six: Lieutenant Commander S. E. Cann, Royal Navy, awarded the R.V.M. in bronze for service at the funeral of H.M. King Edward VII

1914-15 Star (Gnr., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Gnr., R.N.); Defence and War Medals, unnamed; Royal Victorian Medal, E.VII.R., bronze, unnamed, mounted court style for display, good very fine (6) £260-300

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

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Sidney Ernest Cann was born in London on 12 February 1881. Employed as a Grocer’s Assistant, he enlisted into the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on St. Vincent on 12 May 1896 and was advanced to Boy 1st Class in February 1897. Promoted to Ordinary Seaman in February 1899 and Able Seaman in December 1900, both whilst on Caesar; promoted to Leading Seaman in October 1902 when at Pembroke and Petty Officer 2nd Class in April 1904 and Petty Officer 1st Class in November 1904, both whilst on Bedford. Petty Officer Cann was awarded the R.V.M. in bronze for service at the funeral of H.M. King Edward VII (London Gazette 6 June 1910). Appointed Gunner (Torpedo) in October 1911. During the Great War he served on the destroyers Sheldrake and Mandate, serving on the latter at the battle of Jutland, 31 May 1916. On 19 October 1920 he was promoted to Commissioned Gunner (Torpedo). Promoted to Lieutenant in September 1928, he was placed on the Retired List in 1931. On the Retired List he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in September 1936. Recalled for duty in the Second World War, he served at Defiance and Marlborough. Lieutenant Commander reverted to the Retired List as ‘unfit’ in July 1946.

With nine Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty letters of appointment and twelve certificates of service; together with copied service details.