Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Petty Officer H. C. Reed, Royal Navy, who was commended for meritorious services when a member of a Naval party ashore in action east of Vermelles in December 1915

1914-15 Star (J.9467, H. C. Reed, L.S. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.9467 H. C. Reed, L.S. R.N.); Royal Fleet Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (J.9467 (PO. B. 14367) H. C. Reed, P.O. R.F.R.) mounted for display, very fine (4) £300-£400

Herbert Cornelius Reed was born at Woking, Surrey, on 20 December 1892, and joined the Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 12 August 1910. On the outbreak of war in 1914 he was serving as an Able Seaman aboard H.M.S. Skipjack, and advanced to Leading Seaman on 1 October 1915. He was commended for meritorious services rendered in action East of Vermelles on 20 December 1915.

A report by G.O.C. 142nd Infantry Brigade, dated 31 December 1915, states:

‘The party of the Royal Navy under Major Troup, Royal Marine Artillery, arrived here yesterday morning, and went up to the trenches in “C” sector, half with each of my two Battalions in the front line.
About 4.15 p.m. the enemy exploded several mines in front of C2 near the HAIRPIN and immediately covered the area near it with a mass of shell. The position was for a short time very critical, but the Royal Marines Party rose to the occasion splendidly. Two of them, on seeing a Vickers gun team knocked out, manned the gun at once and kept it in action most usefully for some time; many took rifles and fired away hard, the remainder helped to recover and assist the wounded.
I do not know the names of the individuals, but I should be glad to know that their prompt and plucky action can be recognised.’

Ship’s Corporal W. C. Hatherley, from H.M.S. New Zealand, and Petty Officer W. Bright, from H.M.S. Bellerophon, each received the D.S.M. for manning the Vickers machine gun. Their awards were impressed ‘Service in France’ with their ship in brackets afterwards. Hatherley’s group was sold by Dix Noonan Webb in September 2016.

The remainder of the party (eleven in number, all from different ships) under Major Troup’s command were given individual commendations. Leading Seaman Reed’s states:

‘Leading Seaman H. C. Reade (sic) O.N. J.9467, H.M.S. “Skipjack”. Was attached to the 24th London Regiment. He took a rifle and joined the firing line. After dark he took charge of the Signal Rockets with Petty Officer Sturgess.’

Sold with copied record of service and full research.