Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Able Seaman R. C. Coleman, Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Reserve, who was Commended for Bravery and Coolness in Mine Disposal during the Second World War

British War Medal 1914-20 (J.27863 R. C. Coleman. A.B., R.N.); Royal Fleet Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (J.27863 (Po.B.16304) R. C. Coleman A.B. R.F.R.) contact marks and slack suspension to BWM, therefore good fine, the LS&GC better £80-£120

Robert Charles Coleman was born in Rainford, Essex, on 26 July 1896 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 29 October 1913. Advanced Able Seaman on 26 April 1915, he served throughout the Great War in a variety of ships and shore based establishments, including H.M.S. Royalist from 19 March 1915 to 30 September 1916, and H.M.S. Druid from 23 December 1916 to 31 July 1917. He was shore discharged on 25 July 1926, and joined the Royal Fleet Reserve the following day.

Recalled for service during the Second World War, he was Commended for his ‘bravery and coolness’ (London Gazette 9 June 1942)- Seedie’s records that this was for Mine Disposal.