Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

One: Marine G. W. Eatenton, H.M.S. Malaya, Royal Marine Light Infantry

Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (Po.15751 P. W. Eatenton. Mne. R.M.) contact marks, polished, very fine £50-£70

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals for the Battle of Jutland.

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The dreadnought battleship H.M.S. Malaya was launched on 18 March 1915 and was part of the 5th Battle Squadron at the Battle of Jutland, where she was hit eight times and took major damage and heavy casualties, with 65 of her crew being killed in action or dying of their wounds. Uniquely of the ships at the battle of Jutland, Malaya flew the red-white-black-yellow ensign of the Federated Malay States.

Percy William Eatenton was born in London on 18 March 1892 and joined the Royal Marine Light Infantry in Southampton on 9 August 1910. He served during the Great War in H.M.S. Malaya from 28 January 1916 to 22 April 1918, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 18 September 1925. He was discharged to pension on 8 August 1931, after 21 years’ service. Recalled for service during the Second World War, he served with the Portsmouth Division, and was finally discharged in August 1945.