Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Leading Signaller W. E. Western, Royal Navy

British War and Victory Medals (J.69382 W. E. Western, Sig. Boy R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, coinage head (J.69382 W. E. Western. Sig. H.M.S. Venetia.) light contact marks, very fine (3) £60-£80

Wilfred Edward Western was born on 6 June 1901, at Plymouth Devon. He commenced naval service as a Boy Second Class in H.M.S. Impregnable, on 3 April 1917. He was appointed Boy Signaller, H.M.S. Ganges, on 29 August 1917. He was then appointed to H.M.S. Valiant, being advanced to Ordinary Signaller, on 6 June 1919, and Signaller, on 26 July 1920. He subsequently saw service in several ships, including H.M.S. Vivid I, H.M.S. Delhi, H.M.S. Vivid II (Tenacious), and H.M.S. Columbine (Warwick). He was advanced to Acting Leading Signaller, H.M.S. Greenwich on 9 January 1929, and confirmed as Leading Signaller, H.M.S. Vivid II - IV (Venetia) on 9 January 1930. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in June 1934. He continued in service to the Second World War, serving in H.M.S. Drake II (Basilisk), H.M.S. Lynx, and H.M.S. Western Isles. He was pensioned on 5 June 1941, but continued in service until his release from H.M.S. Rodney in September 1945.