Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Chief Stoker W. J. James, Royal Navy, who was present at the Battle of Jutland in H.M.S. Tiger

1914-15 Star (K.5163, W. J. James, S.P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (K.5163 W. J. James. S.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (K.5163 W. J. James. S.P.O. H.M.S. Cormorant.) contact marks and light polishing, edge bruising to last, otherwise nearly very fine (4) £120-£160

William John James was born on 21 December 1889, at Brixham, Devon. He commenced naval service as Stoker Second Class in H.M.S. Vivid II, on 5 January 1910. He was advanced to Stoker First Class, H.M.S. Caernarvon on 18 January 1911. He subsequently served in H.M.S. Indefatigable and H.M.S. Vivid II, being advanced to Acting Leading Stoker on 17 June 1913, and then to H.M.S. Indus, being confirmed as Leading Stoker on 21 March 1914. During the Great War he served in H.M.S. Tiger, the most heavily armoured battlecruiser of the Royal Navy at the start of the Great War, was advanced to Stoker Petty Officer on 20 May 1915, and was present during the Battle of Jutland, 31 May 1916. He subsequently served in several ships including H.M.S. Searcher, H.M.S. Tourmaline, and H.M.S. Columbine. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in January 1925 and was shore pensioned as Chief Stoker, from H.M.S. Vivid II, on 4 January 1932. He was recalled for service in H.M.S. Drake II, in August 1939, and served in the Second World War, until released from H.M.S. Drake on 16 August 1945.