The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals (Part 2)

Three: 1914-15 Star (PO.14745. G. A. Hipwell, L.M., R.N.B.S.); British War and Victory Medals (PO.14745 G. A. Hipwell, C.P.O. 3) nearly very fine (3)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals.

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At the commencement of the Great War the Royal Navy were able to call upon the services of a small nucleus of motor boats and yachts. These vessels were privately owned by keen yachtsmen who in 1911 had volunteered the services of their boats, themselves and their crews to serve in the event of war. The owners were granted temporary commissions as Sub Lieutenants and their crew members were enrolled in the R.N.V.R. In September 1914 the Admiralty organised the Yacht Patrol but suitable vessels were few in number and designed on graceful lines and not really suitable for the rough and tumble of continuous patrolling in British coastal waters. After much debate an American designed motor boat of 75 feet in length was chosen to overcome the great mismatch of types and sizes of boats being used by the Motor Launch Patrol in the early years of the war.