Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Private F. J. Watkiss, Royal Marine Light Infantry, who was killed in the explosion that destroyed H.M.S. Natal on 30 December 1915

1914-15 Star (Ch.19059, Pte. F. J. Watkiss, R.M.L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (Ch.19059 Pte. F. J. Watkiss. R.M.L.I.) nearly very fine (3) £120-£160

Frederick James Watkiss was born in Walthamstow, London, on 24 November 1896 and Joined the Royal Marine Light Infantry on 10 September 1914. He served during the Great War in H.M.S. Natal from 24 November 1915, and was killed when the Natal was sunk by an internal explosion that destroyed the armoured cruiser whilst at anchor in the Cromarty Firth on 30 December 1915. Out of her complement of over 700 men more than half (25 officers and 380 ratings) perished. The loss of life would have been even greater had not most of the off-duty watch been absent on shore leave at the time. Watkiss is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

During the Great War the Royal Navy lost 4 ships to internal explosions whilst lying in harbour, the other three being, H.M. Ships Bulwark, Princess Irene and Vanguard. At the time there was much speculation that these losses were due to sabotage by enemy agents. However, the more likely explanation is that they were the result of the deterioration of the stocks of high explosives carried on board.

Natal’s upturned hull remained visible at low water for many years, and right up until the Second World War it was R.N. practice on entering and leaving Cromarty for every warship to sound “Still” and for officers and men to come to attention as they passed the wreck.

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