Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Memorial Plaque (John Towl) very fine £50-£70

John Towl was born in Launceston, Cornwall in March 1883. He joined the Royal Navy as Stoker 2nd Class in November 1902, and advanced to Stoker 1st Class in February 1906. Subsequent service included with H.M.S. Cordelia (cruiser), April 1915 - July 1916, during which time she took part in the Battle of Jutland. Towl served with H.M.S. Bullfinch (destroyer) prior to serving with H.M.S. Valkyrie (destroyer) from June 1917.

The Valkyrie was serving as part of the Harwich Force, when she struck a mine as part of a convoy escort to the Netherlands, 22 December 1917. Towl was one of 12 men killed outright by the explosions, and he is buried in the Launceston (St. Thomas) Churchyard, Cornwall.

This lot is now combined with the recipient’s campaign medals in Lot 226.
Withdrawn