Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Private J. E. Drake, Royal Marine Light Infantry, killed in the explosion which destroyed H.M.S. Natal, 30 December 1915

1914-15 Star (CH. 16807 Pte. E. Drake, R.M.L.I.); British War and Victory Medals (CH. 16807 Pte. E. Drake, R.M.L.I.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (CH. 16807 Edward Drake, Private, R.M.L.I.); together with Bronze Memorial Plaque (Joseph Edward Drake, extremely fine (4) £260-300

(Joseph) Edward Drake was born at Newbridge, Co. Kildare, on 24 December 1880. He enlisted into the Royal Marines at London on 2 January 1899, and was drafted to the Portsmouth Division. He was drafted to H.M.S. Natal on 17 September 1912, and was still serving in her when he was killed in the internal explosion that destroyed the armoured cruiser whilst at anchor in the Cromarty Firth on 30 December 1915. Out of her complement of over 700 men more than half (25 officers and 380 ratings) perished. The loss of life would have been even greater had not most of the off-duty watch been absent on shore leave at the time. (Joseph) Edward Drake is commemorated by name on the Chatham Naval Memorial.

During the Great War the Royal Navy lost 4 ships to internal explosions whilst lying in harbour, the other three being, H.M. Ships Bulwark, Princess Irene and Vanguard. At the time there was much speculation that these losses were due to sabotage by enemy agents. However, the more likely explanation is that they were the result of the deterioration of the stocks of high explosives carried on board.

Natal’s upturned hull remained visible at low water for many years, and right up until the 1939-45 War it was R.N. practice on entering and leaving Cromarty for every warship to sound “Still” and for officers and men to come to attention as they passed the wreck.

Sold with copied record of service.