Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

East and West Africa 1887-1900, 1 clasp, Benin 1897 (W. Ray, Sto., H.M.S. Philomel) edge bruising, contact marks, good fine £100-140

William Ray was born in London on 5 September 1872. A Labourer by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Navy as a Stoker 2nd Class on 15 September 1891. Appointed a Stoker Petty Officer 2nd Class in July 1906. Shore Pensioned in April 1913 and joined the R.F.R. in November 1913. Recalled for war service in August 1914. Served as Stoker Petty Officer on the light cruiser Blanche, August 1914-May 1915, the old battleship Jupiter, August 1915-December 1916, and the cruiser Crescent, November 1917-February 1919. With copied service papers.