Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘North Sea Mining Operations’ M.B.E. group of seven awarded to Commissioned Gunner, later Lieutenant, C. E. Finch, Royal Navy

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 1st type breast badge, silver, hallmarks for London 1919; 1914-15 Star (Gnr. C. E. Finch. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Gnr. C. E. Finch. R.N.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Jubilee 1935, unnamed as issued, mounted for display, generally very fine (7) £280-£320

M.B.E. London Gazette 21 June 1919, the original recommendation states:

‘As Torpedo Gunner during the time that H.M.S. Phaeton carried out mining operations, was very largely responsible for the technical part of the mine preparation and performed this duty in a highly efficient manner.’

Charles Edwin Finch was born in Reigate, Surrey in March 1886. He joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in April 1902, and advanced to Petty Officer in August 1913. Finch served as Gunner (Torpedo) with H.M.S. Meteor (destroyer), September 1914 - February 1917, during which time she served as part of the Harwich Force and was engaged at the Battle of Dogger Bank, 24 January 1915. He was appointed to H.M.S. Phaeton in February 1917, and served with her as part of the 1st Light Cruiser Squadron on operations in the North Sea.

Finch was confirmed as Commissioned Gunner in August 1924, and advanced to Lieutenant in July 1933. He subsequently served as Assistant Range Officer at the Torpedo Factory in Greenock, and in a similar capacity in Northern Ireland. In later life Finch resided in Landport, Hampshire, and died in December 1950.

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