Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Chief Engine Room Artificer S. J. Johnson, Royal Navy, who served with H.M.S. Exeter in action against the Graf Spee, as part of the Battle of the River Plate, 13 December 1939. He was later mentioned in despatches for his service with the destroyer H.M.S. Hotspur

1939-45 Star Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45, in card box of issue addressed to ‘Mrs J. Western 64 Arrowsmith Raod, Chigwell, Essex’, nearly extremely fine (3) £300-£400

M.I.D. London Gazette 11 December 1945.

Sidney Joseph Johnson served as an Engine Room Artificer with the Royal Navy during the Second War. His service included with the York-class heavy cruiser H.M.S. Exeter, in particular her engagement with the Ajax and Achilles against the German pocket battleship Graf Spee during the Battle of the River Plate, 13 December 1939.

Johnson subsequently advanced to Chief Engine Room Artificer, and served with the destroyer H.M.S. Hotspur as part of the 14th Escort Group (M.I.D.)

Sold with the following related items: M.I.D. Certificate, dated 12 December 1945, framed and glazed with M.I.D. emblem behind glass; plaque in the shape of a shield commemorating the sinking of the Graf Spee, 13 December 1939; remnants of cap tally; a photograph album including pictures from various stages of the recipient’s service, including of himself in uniform and several of the Graf Spee; a Pocket copy of the New Testament, inscribed to the recipient as an E.R.A., and his home address as ‘22 Elmstead Gardens, Worcester Park, Surrey’; a copy of Fight It Out, by Captain Oliver Gordon, R.N. and the Admiralty publication on the Battle of the River Plate.