Auction Catalogue

29 June 2022

Starting at 10:00 AM

.

Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Live Online Auction

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Lot

№ 313

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29 June 2022

Hammer Price:
£850

Four: Leading Seaman L. Woodward, Royal Navy, who died aboard H.M. Submarine Oxley on 11 September 1939, the first British submarine loss of the Second War

1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C. (J.97242 L. Woodward. L.S. H.M.S. Nelson.) nearly extremely fine (4) £180-£220

Leslie Woodward died aboard H.M. Submarine Oxley when she was torpedoed and sunk by H.M. Submarine Triton on 11 September 1939, off Norway, thereby becoming the first allied submarine casualty of World War II. Due to wartime propaganda, news of her loss was relayed to the families of the crew and people Britain that she had been accidentally rammed by Triton. It was not until the 1950s that the public was made aware that the loss of Oxley was due to friendly fire by Triton.

Leading Seaman Woodward was aged 36 and is commemorated by name on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.