Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Chief Stoker C. Taylor, Royal Navy, who served in H.M.S. Barham at the Battle of Jutland, 31 May 1916

1914-15 Star (297776 C. Taylor, S.P.O. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (297776 C. Taylor, S.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (297776 Cyril Taylor, S.P.O. H.M.S. Barham) mounted as worn, very fine and better (4) £100-£140

Cyril Taylor, an enameller from Dursley, Gloucestershire, was born on 4 June 1880. Enlisting in the Royal Navy on 5 January 1901, his Great War service included service in H.M.S. Barham, which fired over 360 shells at the Battle of Jutland, 31 May 1916, during which she was hit six times, resulting in a casualty rate of 26 killed and 46 wounded. It is believed that Barham and H.M.S. Variant made 24 hits between them, making them the two most accurate warships in the British fleet during the battle. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal whilst serving in H.M.S. Barham on 24 July 1916. Promoted Chief Stoker on 1 July 1918, he was shore pensioned on 4 June 1923, joining the Royal Fleet Reserve the following day.