Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Six: Captain C. H. S. Tracy, Royal Naval Reserve, who was mentioned in despatches for services in submarines in 1918

1914-15 Star (Lieut., R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (Lieut., R.N.R.); Defence and War Medals; Royal Naval Reserve Decoration, G.V.R. generally very fine (6) £250-300

Christopher Handley Stiles Tracy, who was born in Sheffield in November 1886, qualified for his 2nd Mate’s certificate in October 1907 and his 1st Mate’s certificate in July 1911.

Having been appointed a Probationary Sub. Lieutenant, R.N.R. in March 1914, he was mobilised on the outbreak of hostilities and posted to Maidstone for service in submarines, in which branch he served with distinction for the remainder of the War, gaining advancement to Lieutenant in September 1915 and a mention in despatches ‘for services in submarines between 1 July and 11 November 1918’ (London Gazette 20 February 1919 refers). During the period referred to for his M.I.D., Tracy was serving in the L9, and his service record reveals earlier appointments in the C6 in 1914 and the E21 from April to November 1917. His final appointments as a submariner were in the K6 between March and August 1919, and the K14 between August and October 1919.

Returning to regular employment with the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company as a Chief Officer, Tracy remained on the strength of the R.N.R. and was advanced to Lieutenant-Commander in November 1928, to Commander in April 1931 and to Captain in December 1935, in which latter year he was placed on the Retired List. He was, however, again recalled for service on the renewal of hostilities in 1939, and would onetime appear to have been employed ashore in the U.S.A.

Tracy, who was latterly employed by a compass company in Boston, U.S.A., and then settled in Maine, died there in March 1961.