Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private F. Fitzpatrick, Royal Marine Light Infantry, who was wounded in action during the Zeebrugge Raid, 23 April 1918- his name was subsequently included in the V.C. ballot for this action

1914-15 Star (Ch.16634. Pte. F. Fitzpatrick, R.M.L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (Ch.16634. Pte. F. Fitzpatrick. R.M.L.I.) edge bruising and contact marks, nearly very fine (3) £400-£500

Frank Fitzpatrick was born in Battersea, London, on 25 May 1892, and enlisted in the Royal Marine Light Infantry on 11 February 1910. Posted to the Chatham Division, he served during the Great War in H.M.S. Cornwallis from 29 October 1915, and was borne on her books when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-32 in the Mediterranean on 9 January 1917. Returning to the Chatham Division, he was wounded in action during the Zeebrugge Raid on 23 April 1918, where he formed part of the naval and marine storming parties that landed on the Mole from H.M. Ships Vindictive, Daffodil and Iris to act as a diversion while block ships filled with concrete were sailed into the canal entrance and sunk.

Casualties during the Zeebrugge raid were heavy and such was the bravery of all those involved aboard the three vessels that Article 13 of the Victoria Cross warrant was invoked. This stipulates that, when a corps or unit so distinguishes itself as to make it impossible to single out individuals, crosses should be awarded by a ballot of those who survived. Two Victoria Crosses were awarded to the Royal Marines by this method and another two to the naval personnel. Under a further provision of Article 13, all those who did not receive the V.C. had their records of service annotated to the effect that they had participated in the ballot for the V.C., and Fitzpatrick’s service record is thus annotated.

Fitzpatrick was discharged on account of his injuries on 4 March 1919, and was awarded a Silver War Badge.

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