Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Leading Seaman E. Topham, Royal Navy, later Royal Fleet Reserve

1914-15 Star (J. 30826, E. Topham, A.B. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.30826 E. Topham. A.B. R.N.); Royal Fleet Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (J.30826 (Dev. B.12691) E. Topham. L.S. R.F.R.) light contact marks otherwise good very fine (4) £80-£100

Ernest Topham was born on 8 June 1893, at Doncaster, Yorkshire. He initially enlisted on a short service engagement as Ordinary Seaman, H.M.S. Vivid I, on 5 September 1911, with service number No. SS.3714, but voluntarily re-engaged for a further 12 years on 28 April 1914, being re-numbered J.30826. During the Great War he served in H.M.S. Vivid I, H.M.S. Victory I, H.M.S. Dido (Milne), H.M.S. Imperieuse (Hermione), and H.M.S. Wellington (Killerig). He subsequently served in several ships and was advanced to Leading Seaman, H.M.S. Victory XI, on 7 December 1920. He was discharged to shore, from H.M.S. Glorious (Dartmouth), time expired, in September 1923, and joined the Royal Fleet Reserve. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in January 1929.