Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Stoker First Class J. H. Parry, H.M.S. Black Prince, Royal Navy, who was killed in action on 1 June 1916, when the Black Prince exploded and sank with all hands

1914-15 Star (K.26195. J. H. Parry. Sto.2, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (K.26195 J. H. Parry. Sto.1 R.N.) good very fine (3) £240-£280

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

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The armoured cruiser H.M.S. Black Prince was launched on 8 November 1904 and was part of the 1st Cruiser Squadron at the Battle of Jutland, where she sank with the loss of all hands.

John Henry Parry was born in Salford, Lancashire, on 4 January 1879 and joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker 2nd Class on 18 May 1915, for the duration of hostilities. He served during the Great War in H.M.S. Black Prince from 10 November 1915, and was advanced Stoker 1st Class on 23 February 1916. He was killed in action at the Battle of Jutland on 1 June 1916: during the late afternoon and night of 31 May the Black Prince had lost touch with the main fleet, and at about 00.15 on 1 June she found herself 1,600 yards from ships of the German 1st Battle Squadron. Illuminated by searchlights, several German battleships then swept her with fire at point blank range. Unable to respond, she burst into flames and four minutes later after a terrific explosion she sank with all hands - 37 officers, 815 ratings, and 5 civilians.

Parry is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.