Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: Leading Cook A. E. Gower, Royal Navay

1939-45 Star; Africa Star, with North Africa 1942-43 clasp; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue (M.36874 A. E. Gower. Ck. H.M.S. Pembroke.) generally very fine (lot) £60-80

Alfred Edward Gower was born in Hastings, Sussex, in October 1900. He enlisted in the 15th (Reserve) Battalion, London Regiment, 4 October 1918. He served at Home, and was not entitled to any Great War Medals. He transferred to the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, and was discharged in 1920. He joined the Royal Navy, as an Assistant Cook, 3 October 1921, and saw various postings before he was awarded the L.S. & G.C. in June 1935 (a duplicate was issued in March 1938).

Gower advanced to Leading Cook in August 1940, and his service during the Second War included: H.M.S. Resource (Heavy Repair Ship, Mediterranean Station); H.M.S. Assegai (Training Establishment, Durban, South Africa); and H.M.S. St. Tudno (a converted ferry used for minesweeping). He was discharged 29 September 1945, and died in Dulwich Hospital in 1981.


Sold with a quantity of original documentation including: Parchment Certificate of Service; (2) Cook Rating’s History Sheets; a number of family and service photographs; and named certificate for ‘Crossing the Equator.’