Six: Petty Officer B. Howell, Royal Navy, wounded in action, serving on the blockship H.M.S. Iphigenia in the Zeebrugge Raid

1914-15 Star (J.1661 A.B., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.1661 P.O., R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue (J.1661 P.O., H.M.S. Valiant) mounted as worn; Defence and War Medals, unnamed, fine and better (6) £240-340

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals relating to the Zeebrugge and Ostend Raids, 1918.

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Bethel Howell was born in Speldhurst, Kent on 10 December 1890. Entering the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in June 1908, he was advanced to Boy 1st Class in October and to Ordinary Seaman in December the same year. Promoted to Able Seaman in July 1910 when on H.M.S. Indomitable, Leading Seaman in November 1916 on H.M.S. Implacable and Petty Officer in July 1917 at H.M.S. Pembroke. Served on the old battleship H.M.S. Implacable, July 1914-April 1916. Initially part of the 5th Battle Squadron Channel Fleet, she was transferred to the Dardanelles in March 1915. On 25 April 1915 she supported the landings at Helles, carrying men of the 2nd Battalion Royal Fusiliers who went ashore on boats from the ship, being covered by the ship’s 12 and 6 inch calibre guns. Serving aboard the blockship H.M.S. Iphigenia, he served in the Zeebrugge Raid, 23 April 1918 and was wounded in action. Awarded the L.S. & G.C. Medal in January 1926. Pensioned in 1930.

With copied service papers, roll extracts and other research.