Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Chief Petty Officer Cook J. S. Reed, Royal Navy, who served afloat in both World Wars, and was one of just twenty survivors of the 270 personnel in H.M.S. Pathfinder, when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-21 on 5 September 1914

1914-15 Star (M.7604 J. S. Reed Ck. Mte., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (M.7604 J. S. Reed L.Ck. Mte. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (M.7604 J. S. Reed P.O. Ck. H.M.S. Ramillies) mounted as worn, minor edge bruising, polished, nearly very fine (4) £140-£180

John Samuel Reed, a baker’s assistant from Grays, Essex, was born on 23 January 1895. Enlisting in the Royal Navy on 4 May 1914, his Great War service included service in H.M.S. Pathfinder, when he was one of just twenty survivors of the 270 personnel aboard when she was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U-21 on 5 September 1914, after a torpedo caused an explosion of cordite bags in the forward magazine. Subsequent Great War service included service in H.M.S. Repulse, in which ship he was present at the Second Battle of Heligoland Bight. Awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 16 January 1929, he was advanced Chief Petty Officer Cook on 30 January 1933, and was shore pensioned 3 May 1936. Recalled for Second War service, he served afloat in H.M.S. Colombo, in the Home Fleet, during which time she captured a German Merchant Ship, off Iceland, before he was discharged on 9 March 1940.