Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension, impressed naming (Walter Delbridge, P.O.1. Cl., H.M.S. Defiance.) very fine £100-£140

Walter Delbridge was born on 15 March 1864 in Lynton, Devon. He enlisted into the Royal Navy in March 1879 as a 15 year old Boy 2nd Class and first served with H.M.S. Impregnable. He transferred to H.M.S. Ganges in April 1879 and remained with her until November 1880, at which time he was sent to H.M.S. Carysfort. In 1882, Delbridge sailed for Egypt aboard Carysfort where the ship participated in operations during the Egyptian Wars. For this Delbridge received an Egypt Medal and Khedive’s Star. On his return he was sent to H.M.S. Duke of Wellington, followed by H.M.S. Royal Adelaide, Cambridge, Agamemnon, Defiance and Amphion. Delbridge returned to H.M.S. Defiance in September 1895 and it was whilst with this ship that he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. He later served with H.M.S. Highflyer and was discharged to pension in April 1892, transferring to the Royal Fleet Reserve.