Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An inter-war C.B.E. group of eight awarded to Captain H. R. G. Moore, Royal Navy, a Jutland veteran who also won a ‘mention’ for his services in North Russia in 1919

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Military) Commander’s 1st type neck badge, silver-gilt and enamels; O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, silver-gilt (Hallmarks for London 1919); 1914-15 Star (Commr., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf (Commr., R.N.); Defence Medal 1939-45; Royal Naval Reserve Decoration, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated 1947, in its Royal Mint case of issue; Royal Humane Society, small bronze medal (Lieut., R.N., 25th July 1909), complete with bronze riband buckle, good very fine or better (8) £500-600

C.B.E. London Gazette 23 June 1936.

Hartley Russell Gwennap Moore was born in April 1881, the son of John Gwennap Dennis Moore of Garlenick, Cornwall. Educated at Eastman’s, Stubbington and at the training establishment Britannia, he was a Lieutenant at the time of winning his R.H.S. Medal at Spithead in July 1909, when he made a gallant attempt to save the life of a stoker.

A Commander by the outbreak of hostilities in August 1914, he served successively in H.M. Ships Lord Nelson, Marlborough and Revenge, originally on the Staff of the Admiral Commanding Channel Fleet, but latterly the Admiral Second-in-Command Grand Fleet. He was consequently present at Jutland in the Marlborough when she was hit by a torpedo that caused a 70ft. long by 20ft. deep hole - nonetheless she maintained her position in the battle line, her gunfire inflicting considerable damage on at least two enemy capital ships.

Having been recommended for promotion and a D.S.O. in late 1917 (‘Their Lordships regret they are unable ...’), Moore returned ashore to take up an appointment at the Admiralty, but in the following year, between January and November, he commanded the seaplane carrier Nairana off North Russia and was mentioned in despatches for his part in the evacuation of the last British troops from the White Sea. He was also awarded the O.B.E. (London Gazette 1 January 1919).

Moore was placed on the Retired List as a Captain in April 1927, served for several years as Superintendent of Naval Mining and Anti-Mining Development and was awarded the C.B.E. in 1936. During the Second World War he served as a Major and Company Commander in the Home Guard 1940-43, and in the Civil Defence 1943-45. He died in Hampshire in December 1953.

Also see Lot 187 for another family award.

Recipient does not appear to be entitled to the RNR Decoration