Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (288442 James O’Kelly, Ch. Sto. H.M.S. Majestic.) good very fine £80-£120

Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, September 2010.

James O’Kelly was born in Castletownroche, Co. Cork, on 15 March 1879. A Prison Warder by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Navy as a Stoker 2nd Class in April 1898. After initial training at Vivid II at Devonport, he joined the 2nd class cruiser Philomel in December 1898, where he remained until March 1903. Between 11 October 1899 and 23 January 1902, the Philomel served in South African waters and Stoker O’Kelly was subsequently awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal.

O’Kelly was promoted to Stoker 1st Class in July 1906 when on the armoured cruiser Devonshire, and Leading Stoker in August 1907, and Stoker Petty Officer in October 1908 whilst serving on the same ship. Serving on the battleship Bellerophon in December 1911 he was advanced to Acting Chief Stoker and was confirmed at that rank in December 1912. During July-October 1913 he served on the old battleship Majestic, at which time he was awarded the L.S. & G.C. Medal.

Throughout the Great War Chief Stoker O’Kelly served aboard the battlecruiser Tiger, being present at the battles of Dogger Bank, 24 January 1915, and Jutland, 31 May/1 June 1916. For his service at Jutland, he was awarded the Italian Medal for Military Valour in Bronze (London Gazette 25 November 1917) and the Russian St. George Medal for Bravery, 4th Class (London Gazette 4 August 1918). On 24 September 1920 Chief Stoker O’Kelly was pensioned off. He was subsequently employed at the Royal Naval Engineering College at Keyham.