Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Six: Temporary Commissioned Catering Officer R. J. Arnold, Royal Navy

British War Medal 1914-20 (L.10096 R. J. Arnold O.S. 3 R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, coinage head (L.10096 R. J. Arnold. P.O. Stwd. H.M.S. Pangbourne.) light contact marks, very fine (6) £70-£90

Reginald John Arnold was born on 23 July 1899, at Lewes, Sussex. He commenced naval service as Boy Servant, H.M.S. Excellent, on 27 February 1917. He was appointed Officers Servant Third Class on 23 July 1917, and Officers Servant Second Class on 1 September 1919. He subsequently served in several ships including H.M.S. Crescent (Hood), H.M.S. Victory II, H.M.S. Dryad (Naval School), H.M.S. Argus and H.M.S. Vernon (Wrestler). He was advanced to Leading Steward, H.M.S. Vernon, on 1 October 1931, Petty Officer Steward, H.M.S. Victory X (Pangbourne), on 2 December 1931, and Chief Petty Officer Steward, H.M.S. Victory II (Faulknor), on 20 January 1937, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in September 1932. He was shore pensioned in July 1939, but was recalled for war service on 20 January 1940, serving in H.M.S. Victory II, and H.M.S. Excellent. He was promoted to Temporary Acting Warrant Catering Officer R.N. on 18 November 1944. He still appears in the Navy List for July 1949, as a Temporary Commissioned Catering Officer. The British War Medal is his sole medal entitlement for his service in the Great War.