Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Able Seaman D. H. Smith, Royal Navy, who served in H.M.S. Nicotar at the Battle of Jutland

1914-15 Star (237228, D. H. Smith, A.B., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (237228 D. H. Smith A.B. R.N.) good very fine (3) £70-90

Donald Herman Smith was born in Stourport, Worcestershire, on 9 April 1884 and joined the Royal Navy on 24 September 1903. He served during the Great War first in H.M.S. Sandfly, from the outbreak of War until 31 March 1916, and then in H.M.S. Nicotar from 1 April 1916. He was present at the Battle of Jutland, 31 May to 1 June 1916, when the Nicotar, together with H.M.S. Nestor and H.M.S. Nomad, launched an attack on the German Battle Cruisers; both Nestor and Nomad were sunk in the ensuing action, with the captain of the former, Commander the Hon. Edward Bingham, being awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry in leading the attack.
Smith was shore pensioned on 5 October 1925, after 22 years’ service, and joined the Royal Fleet Reserve the following day.