Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Petty Officer J. F. Sutton, Royal Navy, served on H.M.S. Brilliant on the Ostend Raid, April 1918

1914-15 Star (J.7054 L.S., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.7054 P.O., R.N.) mounted as worn, worn through polishing (3) £200-300

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals relating to the Zeebrugge and Ostend Raids, 1918.

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James Frederick Sutton was born in Dover, Kent on 19 June 1893. A Wood Dealer by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in January 1910 and was advanced to Boy 1st Class in August 1910. Promoted to Ordinary Seaman in June 1911 when on H.M.S. Implacable; Able Seaman in October 1912 when on H.M.S. King Edward VII. Served on the battlecruiser H.M.S. Indomitable, February 1914-March 1918, being promoted to Leading Seaman in December 1915 and Petty Officer in February 1917; taking part in the hunt for S.M.S. Goeben and Breslau, August 1914; seeing action, bombarding the Dardanelles forts, November 1914 and serving at the battles of Dogger Bank, 24 January 1915 and Jutland, 31 May 1916. Served on H.M.S. Brilliant in the first Ostend Raid, 23 April 1918.

Lot sold with a poignant original (repaired) letter written by Sutton on H.M.S. Brilliant, to his wife, dated 9 April 1918:

‘To My Own Darling Wife,

I now take great pleasure in writing these few lines to let you know that I have received all your letters and parcel quite safe. I have also answered them but I don’t expect you have received them. Now dearest, you must not be down hearted when you hear the news but by the time you get this letter I might be dead. But do not give up hope until you hear definite news as we are doing very dangerous work, but if I come through alright I will let you know as soon as I can by telegram. I know it is very hard for you, love, also my mother, but cheer her up how best you can. Of course, love, I have had a good run as this makes the fourth action I have been in, so I think I have done my duty for my King and country if I do not do any more, don’t you think so dear? Now, my dear, I hope it will be good news that you hear, not bad, as I shall do my very best to get away, but in case I don’t get away you must remember me to everybody and give them my love. The dog has got a good home in London (West Ham) so he will be alright. Well, my darling, I don’t like writing this letter but take no notice of it unless you hear ........ as you see I am looking on the worse side of things and perhaps things will be just the opposite which I hope they will. How are all at home getting on? Alright, I hope. Well now Holly (?) I think I have said all for this time so I will bring my letter to a close. Give my best of love to all at both of our homes and accept the same yourself with heaps of love and kisses and believe me to remain your ever loving and true husband. Jim Hope to see you soon.’

Sutton came through the raid unscathed and remained with the Royal Navy until 1922. Also with copied service paper, roll extract and photocopied group photograph of veterans of the Zeebrugge and Ostend Raids, taken in 1958, the original of which they signed.