Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Lieutenant-Commander A. B. St. John, Royal Navy

1914-15 Star (Lt. Commr. A. B. St. John. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Lt. Commr. A. B. St. John. R.N.) light contact marks, very fine (3) £80-120

Arthur Beauchamp St. John was born on 28 May 1884 and joined the Royal Navy as a Naval Cadet on 15 September 1899. He was advanced Midshipman on 15 February 1901, and Lieutenant on 15 July 1906. He served during the Great War in H.M.S. Venerable from 14 January 1915, and then in H.M.S. Cumberland from 2 June 1917. He was Mentioned in Despatches ‘for services in Cruisers employed on Escort, Convoy and Patrol duties during 1917 and 1918’ (London Gazette 11 December 1918), and on the cessation of hostilities received the following reference: ‘A very competent, neat, and accurate navigator. He has carried out duties to my entire satisfaction. Best acquainted with the West coast of England, coasts of the U.S.A. down to Chesapeake Bay and adjacent to Halifax; also the St. Lawrence to Quebec. Very trustworthy Pilot. He has performed duties of 1st Lieutenant in addition to his own with much satisfaction.’ Promoted to Lieutenant-Commander, he was placed on the Retired List at his own request with a gratuity on 20 May 1920.