Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Ordnance Artificer E. C. Buckingham, Royal Navy, a survivor of the loss of the submarine Truculent which sank in the Thames estuary after collision with a Swedish ship on 12 January 1950

1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.II.R., 2nd issue (MX.88348 E. C. Buckingham. O.A.1. H.M.S. Adamant.) mounted as worn, polished, nearly very fine (4) £160-£200

H.M.S. Truculent was sunk in the Thames Estuary on 12 January 1950, after a collision with the merchant Dvina. Truculent was returning to Sheerness after a refit at the Chatham Dockyard. 57 of her crew were swept away in the current after a premature escape attempt. 15 survivors were rescued by a boat from the Dvina and 5 by Dutch ship Almdijk. Electrical Artificer 2nd Class Edward Charles Buckingham told The Times, ‘that the last man out [of the engine room] was Chief Engine Room Artificer Hine. “I was the last but one, but he told me to go ahead. He got out, but as far as I know he has not been picked up.”’

Truculent was salvaged later on the 14 March 1950 and beached at Cheney Spit. The wreck was moved inshore the following day where 10 bodies were recovered. She was refloated on 23 March 1950 and towed into Sheerness Dockyard. An inquiry attributed 75% of the blame to Truculent and 25% to Dvina. The loss led to the introduction of the 'Truculent light', an extra steaming all round white light on the bow, on British submarines. Truculent was sold to be broken up for scrap on 8 May 1950.

Sold with a ‘Submariners International’ enamelled lapel badge, together with copied newspaper reports and extracts from the Truculent Enquiry, including Buckingham’s witness interview.