Auction Catalogue

16 December 2003

Starting at 10:00 AM

.

Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Grand Connaught Rooms  61 - 65 Great Queen St  London  WC2B 5DA

Lot

№ 307

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16 December 2003

Hammer Price:
£25

Royal Fleet Reserve L.S., G.V.R., 2nd issue, coinage head (K. 22709 (Dev. B. 13492) J. E. Cross, Sto. 1, R.F.R.) extremely fine £30-40

James Edward Cross was born in Manchester in August 1892 and entered the Royal Navy as a Stoker 2nd Class in June 1914. Appointed to the battleship H.M.S. Marlborough shortly after the outbreak of hostilities, he remained in her until September 1918 and was consequently present at the battle of Jutland, when she flew the flag of Vice-Admiral Burney, and was hit by a torpedo that caused a 70 ft. long by 20 ft. deep hole. In spite of this she maintained her position in the battle line throughout, her gunfire inflicting considerable damage on at least two enemy capital ships.

Cross was discharged ashore in June 1926 and enrolled in the R.F.R. in the same month.