Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Chief Petty Officer J. Neil, Royal Navy, who served with H.M.S. Warspite at the Battle of Jutland, 31 May/1 June 1916

1914-15 Star (178651. J. Neil. C.P.O., R.N.) traces of verdigris; British War and Victory Medals (178651 J. Neil. C.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (178651. John Neil, P.O. 1Cl., H.M.S. Cumberland.) generally good very fine (4) £100-£140

John Neil/Neill was born in Baylick, Cork, Ireland in November 1877. He joined the Royal Navy as Boy 2nd Class in January 1894, and advanced to Able Seaman in August 1896. Having advanced to Petty Officer 1st Class, Neil was posted to H.M.S. Cumberland in September 1911 (awarded L.S. & G.C. in February 1914).

Neil was posted to the battleship H.M.S. Warspite in April 1915 and served on the ship throughout the war, being promoted to Chief Petty Officer in November 1916. He was present on board the ship at the battle of Jutland, 31 May/1 June 1916. On that memorable occasion, as part of the 5th Battle Squadron, the ship was hit by no less than 13 ‘large projectiles’, several of them when her helm jammed and forced her out of line. Making an involuntary circle at ‘Windy Corner’, she became the prime target of the ‘big guns’ of the High Seas Fleet. Both the Warspite and Neil survived the ordeal. He was demobilised in March 1919.