Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Acting Chief Engine Room Artificer 2nd Class G. Burgess, Royal Navy, killed in action on H.M.S. Warrior at the battle of Jutland, 30 May 1916

British War and Victory Medals (269107 Act. C.E.R.A.2, R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (269107 George Burgess, E.R.A. 1Cl., H.M.S. Leander) extremely fine (3) £140-180

George Burgess was born in Weymouth, Dorset on 16 December 1875. A Fitter & Turner by occupation, he entered the Royal Navy as an Acting Engine Room Artificer 4th Class on 11 October 1897, being confirmed in his rank in July 1899. Promoted to E.R.A. 3rd Class in June 1901 on Proserpine; E.R.A. 2nd Class in January 1905 on Russell; E.R.A. 1st Class in January 1910 on Indus and was appointed Acting Chief Engine Room Artificer 2nd Class in January 1916 when on Warrior.

Burgess was serving on the armoured cruiser Warrior at the battle of Jutland, 30 May 1916. The armoured cruisers Defence and Warrior, part of the 1st Cruiser Squadron, were closing with the disabled German light cruiser Wiesbaden, when they came under concentrated fire from the battlecruiser Derfflinger and four battleships at less than 8,000 yards. Defence blew up and Warrior was heavily damaged and was only saved from from further punishment when the German ships switched their fire to the more tempting target in the form of the battleship Warspite whose steering had become jammed. Badly damaged, Warrior was able to make her way out of the battle zone and was eventually taken in tow by the seaplane carrier Engadine who took off her surviving crew. However, the ship could not be saved and she was abandoned the next day and subsequently foundered. Burgess was one of 70 ratings who died aboard the ship. With copied service paper.