Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Family group:

Three: Leading Stoker W. Coleman, who was killed in action when H.M.S. Pathfinder was torpedoed and sunk by the German Submarine U-21 in the Firth of Forth on 5 September 1914
1914-15 Star (K. 9090, W. Coleman, L. Sto., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (K. 9090 W. Coleman. L. Sto. R.N.); Memorial Plaque (William Coleman) good very fine

Four: Petty Officer J. S. Coleman, Royal Navy
1914-15 Star (228404, J. S. Coleman, L.S., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (228404 J. S. Coleman. P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (228404 J. S. Coleman, P.O. H.M.S. Pembroke.) very fine (8) £240-£280

William Coleman was born in Waltham, Kent, on 19 April 1892 and joined the Royal Navy as a Stoker Second Class on 22 September 1910. Advanced Leading Stoker on 19 February 1914, he served during the Great War in H.M.S. Pathfinder, and was killed in action when Pathfinder was torpedoed by the German submarine U-21 off St. Abb’s Head in the Firth of Forth on 5 September 1914, and sank within four minutes with the loss of nearly all hands. He is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

Joseph Stephen Coleman, brother of the above, was born in Waltham, Kent, on 18 April 1886 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 21 October 1903. Advanced Leading Seaman on 14 February 1913, he served during the Great War in a variety of ships and shore based establishments, and was promoted Petty Officer on 1 April 1916. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 13 September 1919, and was shore pensioned on 23 March 1923. Recalled for War service on 8 December 1939, he was invalided out of the service on 1 June 1940.