Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Battle of Jutland’ D.S.M. awarded to Artificer Engineer E. F. Edge, Royal Navy, for service aboard the armoured cruiser H.M.S. Cochrane

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (268684 E. F. Edge, C.E.R.A. 1Cl., H.M.S. Cochrane, 31 May-1 June 1916) nearly extremely fine £600-800

Ernest Francis Edge was born in Portsea, Hampshire, on 24 February 1870. An Engine Smith by occupation, he entered into the Royal Navy as an Acting Engine Room Artificer 4th Class at Victory II in January 1896. He was confirmed in that rank in July 1897 and advanced to E.R.A. 3rd Class in January 1899, both whilst on the Royal Oak. Promoted to E.R.A. 2nd Class in January 1903 when on the Duke of Wellington, he was ranked as Acting Chief Engine Room Artificer 2nd Class in May 1905 when based at Victory II. That rank was confirmed in January 1907 when at Sapphire II and he was promoted to C.E.R.A. 1st Class in May 1911 when on Jupiter. In that rank he was posted to the armoured cruiser Cochrane in April 1913 and served on her during the first three years of the war, the ship being part of the 2nd Cruiser Squadron of the Grand Fleet. On the ship he was present at the battle of Jutland, 31 May/1 June 1916. Doubtless for his skill and energy in keeping the armoured cruiser’s engines running at high speed throughout the action, he was awarded the D.S.M. (London Gazette 15 September 1916). In addition, for his services during the battle, he was specially promoted to the commissioned rank of Artificer Engineer on 30 June 1916. Known to have served until the early 1920’s. With a quantity of copied research including service paper and the dispositions of H.M.S. Cochrane during the battle.