Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Six: Commander G. R. Livingstone, Royal Navy

East and West Africa 1887-1900, 1 copy clasp, Benin 1897 (Guy R. Livingstone, Midn. H.M.S. Forte) renamed; Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Somaliland 1902-04 (Lieut. G. R. Livingstone, R.N., H.M.S. Cossack); 1914-15 Star (Lt. Commr. G. R. Livingstone, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Commr G. R. Livingstone, R.N.); France, Legion of Honour, Chevalier’s breast badge, silver, gold and enamel, some enamel damage, very fine and better (6) £500-600

Guy Renton Livingstone was born in Westport, Co. Mayo on 4 November 1878. He was the son of a local J.P. and was educated in a private preparatory school in Oxford before joining the Royal Navy in 1893, spending two years at the officer training establishment of H.M.S. Britannia. Passing to become a Midshipman in June 1894, his first seagoing appointment was on H.M.S. Ramillies, January-December 1895. This was followed by service on board the cruiser H.M.S. Forte, December 1895-November 1897, during which time he served in the Benin campaign of 1897. He was promoted to Sub-Lieutenant in December 1898 and Lieutenant in April 1901. As such he served aboard H.M.S. Cossack 1902-03, serving in the Somaliland campaign. He was promoted to Lieutenant-Commander in April 1909 and placed on the Retired List in July 1910. Recalled for service in the Great War, firstly at Royal Arthur and later at Victory and President (War Staff Trades Division). Livingstone was later in command of the minesweeping sloop H.M.S. Wallflower, February 1916-November 1917 - his service record notes ‘attack on Transports under his escort on 18/6/17: appreciation of conduct on this occasion expressed.’ In December he was appointed Acting Commander and in early 1918 was in command of H.M.S. Riviera. He served out the remainder of the war at H.M.S. President, April 1918-May 1919, being confirmed as Commander in November 1918. Commander Livingstone reverted to the Retired List in May 1919. For his services during the war, Livingstone was appointed a Chevalier in the French, Legion of Honour (London Gazette 25 January 1918). With the onset of the Second World War, he made himself available for service in August 1939 but was discharged due to ill-health in December 1940. He died at Maidenhead on 5 August 1950.

With copied service papers, ‘Benin 1897’ roll extracts and other research. For the Livingstone’s miniature dress medals, see lot 1365.