Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Admiral Sir Arthur A. M. Duff, K.C.B., Royal Navy- Captain of H.M.S. Birmingham at the battles of Heligoland Bight, Dogger Bank and Jutland

1914-15 Star (Capt., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt., R.N.); Coronation 1911, silver, unnamed, mounted court style for wear, minor edge bruise, good very fine and better (4) £400-500

Arthur Allan Duff was born in 1874, son of General A. G. Duff. He commanded the scout cruiser H.M.S. Adventure; attached to the 1st Destroyer Flotilla, 1907-09; was Flag Captain in the 1st Battlecruiser Squadron, 1911-13. Commanded the light cruiser H.M.S. Birmingham, 1914-16 - the ship being the first to ram and sink a German U-Boat in the war - the U-15 on 9 August 1914. Duff commanded the ship which was present at the battles of Heligoland Bight, Dogger Bank and Jutland. Awarded the Russian Order of St. Anne, 2nd Class with swords for Jutland (London Gazette 5 June 1917). Appointed to command the battlecruiser H.M.S. Inflexible in 1916 and commanded the battlecruiser H.M.S. Tiger during August 1917-May 1919. Commanded the 2nd Light Cruiser Squadron 1919-21. Appointed Rear-Admiral of the 1st Battle Squadron 1921-23. Appointed Director of Naval Equipment at the Admiralty 1924-26. Promoted to Vice-Admiral in 1926 and Admiral commanding the reserves 1927-29. Created a K.C.B. in 1929 and promoted to Admiral and placed on the Retired List in 1930. Latterly living at Var Trees, Moreton, Dorset, he died on 5 April 1952.

With riband bar and some copied research. See lot 1041 for the recipient’s miniature medals.