Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (2) (268624 W. H. Matthews, E.R.A. 1 Cl, H.M.S. Defence.; 268486 Walter Stark, C.E.R.A. 2 Cl, H.M.S. Excellent) minor edge bruising, nearly very fine or better (2) £80-£120

William Henry Matthews was born in Penzance, Cornwall on 5 March 1872. He enlisted into the Royal Navy in November 1895 and first served with H.M.S. Vivid, transferring to H.M.S. Defiance in January 1896. He then went onto serve with numerous other ships and shore establishments including H.M.S. Philomel, Katoomba, Blake, Cambrian, Edgar and Europa. Matthews was posted to H.M.S. Defence in February 1909 and it was whilst serving with this ship that he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, having reached the rate of Engine Room Artificer First Class. On the outbreak of the Great War, he was on the crew of H.M.S. Blake, later serving with H.M.S. Dreel Castle from June 1918. Matthews was demobilised in April 1919.

Walter Stark was born on 6 November 1873 in Hull, Yorkshire. He enlisted into the Royal Navy in June 1895 and first served with H.M.S. Victory. He transferred to H.M.S. Camperdown in October 1897, later moving to H.M.S. Duke of Wellington, then Bellona. Following service with H.M.S. Royal Arthur, Wallaroo, Crescent and King Alfred, Stark was then transferred to H.M.S. Excellent in September 1910. It was whilst serving with this shore establishment that he was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, having reached the rate of Chief Engine Room Artificer Second Class. During the Great War, Stark served with H.M.S. Woolwich and Magpie. He was demobilised in June 1919.