Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Chief Petty Officer Cook H. Holmes, Royal Navy

British War and Victory Medals (M.18581 H. Holmes. Ck. Mte. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (M.18581 H. Holmes. P.O. Ck. H.M.S. Pembroke.) contact marks, nearly very fine (3) £60-£80

Herbert Holmes was born on 21 December 1897, at St. Pancras, London. He commenced naval service as a Probationer Cook’s Mate in H.M.S. Pembroke I, on 17 January 1916. He was advanced to Cook’s Mate, H.M.S. Blonde, on 4 May 1917, and Cook, H.M.S. Pembroke I, on 17 May 1919. He subsequently served in several ships including H.M.S. Europa, H.M.S. Lychnis, H.M.S. Fitzroy, and H.M.S. Columbine (Whirlwind), being advanced to Leading Cook, H.M.S. Pembroke II, on 8 January 1926, and Petty Officer Cook 12 March 1930. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in February 1931, and was further advanced to Chief Petty Officer Cook, H.M.S. Renown, on 3 October 1934. He was loaned to the Royal New Zealand Navy, from December 1934 to May 1937, and was pensioned in January 1938. Recalled for service in July 1939, he was finally released from service in H.M.S. Wildfire, in September 1945.