Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private J. Griffin, Royal Marine Light Infantry, killed serving on the armed merchant cruiser, H.M.S. Viknor, 13 January 1915

1914-15 Star (PO.7084 Pte., R.M.L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (PO.7084 Pte., R.M.L.I.) mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (3) £120-160

James Griffin was born in Derby on 25 February 1875. A Labourer by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Marines on 22 September 1893. On the outbreak of the Great War he was drafted to the cruiser H.M.S. Edgar, August-November 1914. The ship formed part of the 10th Cruiser Squadron assigned to the northern patrol. In December 1914 he was transferred to the armed merchant cruiser H.M.S. Viknor, again of 10th Cruiser Squadron. On 11 January the ship intercepted the Bergensfjiord which was believed to be carrying German citizens. A prize crew was placed aboard her and she was sailed to Kirkwall for further examination. The Viknor meanwhile sailed for Liverpool to land her prisoners and re-coal. She was last heard of off the coast of Northern Ireland, and it is surmised that on 13 January 1915 she struck a mine and was sunk with all hands. Five bodies from the Viknor were washed up on the Irish coast and buried in the churchyard of Bonamargie Friary, Ballycastle - that of Private Griffin was the only one which could be identified. He was the husband of Mrs L. Griffin, of Queens Gate, South Kensington, London.

With copied service paper and other research.