Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Gunner R. Manktelow, Royal Marine Artillery

1914-15 Star (R.M.A. 8166, Gr. R. Manktelow); British War and Victory Medals (R.M.A. 8166 Gr. R. Manktelow); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (8166 Reginald Manktelow, Gunner, R.M.A.) very fine (4) £120-£160

Reginald Manktelow was born in Battersea, London, on 12 September 1881, and was enlisted into the Royal Marine Artillery as a Private on 30 May 1899. He was promoted to Gunner 2nd Class on 11 February 1900, and to Gunner on 10 April 1900. For the next decade he was embarked, interspersed with periods ashore, in the following ships: Dreadnought, Empress of India, Caesar, Vivid, Barfleur, Vengeance, and Africa. On 4 July 1911, he was embarked on the newly launched battleship H.M.S. Hercules and remained in this ship throughout the Great War, including an active part in the battle of Jutland, where she fought in the 6th Division along with Marlborough, Revenge and Agincourt. She was the 23rd ship in line after deployment. She engaged enemy battlecruisers from 19.00-19.15 achieving hits with her fifth and sixth salvoes. She fired 98 rounds from her main armament during the whole engagement. She was straddled and hit by splinters, but sustained no damage or casualties. Turned to avoid several torpedoes, one of which was seen to pass right alongside.

Hercules had a reputation as 'A pugilists ship' amongst the men. Many a 'troublemaker' was posted to Hercules. Discipline was strict. She was equipped with a boxing ring. Breaches of discipline, especially those that resulted in arguments or fights, would very often be dealt with by 'volunteering' those involved to fight in the ring. Large wagers were often placed on these bouts by both the officers and men. Another punishment meted-out, was to lock miscreants in the brig with a length of used heavy hawser. The offender was allowed out as soon as he had, with his bare hands, unpicked the hawser. This might take days and result in ripped and bleeding nails.

Gunner Manktelow received his L.S. & G.C. medal in March 1915 and left Hercules on 29 January 1919, when she was reduced to the Reserve Fleet.