Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War O.B.E. group of five awarded to Shipwright Lieutenant-Commander A. C. Smith, Royal Navy

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) Member’s 1st type breast badge, silver, hallmarks for London 1917, crown suspension slightly bent and possibly re-affixed; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, no clasp (Carp. A. C. Smith, R.N., H.M.S. Pearl.); 1914-15 Star (Ch. Carp. A. C. Smith. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Shpt. Lt. A. C. Smith. R.N.) light pitting from star, good very fine (5) £300-400

M.B.E. London Gazette 27 June 1919:
‘For valuable services as Barrack Master, Cranwell Air Station.’

Alfred Charles Smith was born at Torpoint, Cornwall, on 18 September 1866, and entered the Royal Navy as a Shipwright on 25 October 1889. Advanced Carpenter’s Mate on 20 November 1895, he was promoted to Carpenter on 23 June 1896, and served in that rank in H.M.S. Pearl from 6 November 1900 to 4 March 1906. Advanced Commissioned Shipwright on 2 February 1911, he served during the Great War initially in H.M.S. Thunderer, before transferring as Shipwright Lieutenant to Cranwell Air Station. He transferred to the retired list in September 1921, and was promoted Shipwright Lieutenant-Commander on 25 September 1926.