Orders, Decorations and Medals

1914-15 Star (J.380030 T. J. Lightowler, Ord. R.N.); Memorial Plaque (Thomas Joseph Lightowler) good very fine (2)
£120-150

Thomas Joseph Lightowler was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire on 3 December 1895. A Labourer by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Navy on 23 April 1915. He served on the armoured cruiser H.M.S. Black Prince from July 1915. Lightowler was on the ship at the battle of Jutland. Shortly after midnight on 1 June 1916 she became the target of several German dreadnought battleships as the German fleet smashed its way through the tail of British fleet. Ablaze from end to end, H.M.S. Black Prince blew up with the loss of all hands. Thomas Lightowler died aged 20 years. He was the son of William and Sarah Lightowler, of 2 Lower Bramley Street, Bradford. His name is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. With copied service paper and other research.