Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Ordinary Seaman 1st Class R. F. Owens, Royal Navy, killed in action, when H.M.S. Goliath was sunk off Cape Helles, 13 May 1915

1914-15 Star (364772 O.S.1, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (364772 O.S.1, R.N.) nearly extremely fine (3) £140-180

After the landing of troops on the Gallipoli Peninsula, fire support from naval vessels became ever important. Old pre-dreadnought battleships were assigned this task. On 13 May 1915, whilst at anchor in company with Cornwallis in Morto Bay, the old battleship Goliath was attacked by the Turkish destroyer Mouavenet-Millieh, which in fog, evaded the allied destroyer screen and fired three torpedoes in quick succession. The first hit Goliath abreast the fore turret, the second abreast the foremost funnel and a third abreast the after turret. So swiftly did the battleship sink that many of those below were drowned before they could reach the upper deck. Of the 750 on board Goliath about 570, including Captain Shelford and Ordinary Seaman Owens were drowned.