Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension, impressed naming (Charlie Ham, Boatn. H.M. Coast Guard.) nearly extremely fine £100-£140

Charlie Ham was born in Honiton, Devon, on 30 August 1868 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 12 August 1884. Posted to H.M.S. Calliope on 25 January 1887, he was serving in her during the severe hurricane at Apia, Samoa, on 15 March 1889, a storm so violent that the Caplliope was the only vessel in the harbour that was able to get out to sea, and thus avoid being wrecked at her moorings. Advanced Petty Officer 2nd Class on 1 December 1894, he transferred to the Coast Guard at Lossiemouth on 12 February 1897, and was commended for his gallant behaviour at the the wreck of Scotch Lassie at Lossiemouth on 29 July 1898.

Ham was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 7 January 1902, whilst stationed at Stonehaven; his final postings were at Brixham and Branscombe, before he was shore pensioned on 11 June 1907. Joining the Royal Fleet Reserve on 8 July 1907, he was recalled for service during the Great War, and served in various shore based establishments until finally being shore demobilised on 24 April 1919.