Orders, Decorations and Medals

Three: Musician Edward Bullock, Royal Marine Band

1914-15 Star Trio (R.M.B. 487 E. Bullock) with named card box of issue for star and Admiralty letter advising of his death, extremely fine (3) £80-100

Musician Edward Bullock was killed at Scapa Flow on 9 July 1917 when H.M.S. Vanguard blew up as a result of an internal eplosion, with the loss of nearly every man on board. During the Great War the Royal Navy lost 4 ships to internal explosions whilst lying in harbour, the other three being, H.M.S. Bulwark, H.M.S. Natal and H.M.S. Princess Irene. At the time there was much speculation that these losses were due to sabotage by enemy agents. However, the more likely explanation is that they were the result of the deterioration of the stocks of high explosives carried on board. The Vanguard had previously seen action at the battle of Jutland.