Orders, Decorations and Medals

Three: Warrant Officer S. H. Thompson, Naval Policeman, South African Navy, late Royal Navy

Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Palestine 1945-48 (C/JX.778802 Tel., R.N.); South African Defence Force 20 Year Good Service Medal, hallmarked silver and officially numbered ‘1628’; South Africa Permanent Force L.S. & G.C., hallmarked silver and officially numbered ‘1173’, the group mounted as worn with South African medals taking precedence, good very fine (3) £120-140

Samuel Henry Thompson joined the Royal Navy in October 1945 as a Leading Telegraphist, and in April 1955 became a Constable in the Royal Naval Dockyard Police, serving in that capacity until the end of March 1957 when he enlisted in the South African Navy as a Petty Officer Constable. This came about as a result of the ending of the Simonstown Agreement between Britain and South Africa, whereby Simonstown Naval Base reverted to the South African Government. A select few Royal Navy personnel were allowed to remain in Simonstown as members of the South African Navy, their numbers including Thompson. He rose to the rank of Sergeant Major in charge of the Dockyard Police at Simonstown, and then as Naval Base Security Officer. He retired from the S.A. Navy in 1982 to begin a new career in the private sector. Sold with copies of his South African Navy service papers and confirmation of both long service awards.