Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Bandsman A. Baldacchino, Royal Navy, who was killed in action during the Battle of Jutland, 31 May 1916, when H.M.S Defence exploded after being hit by two salvoes from SMS Derfflinger and several other German battleships

1914-15 Star (157931. A. Baldaechino. [sic] Bdmr., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (157931 A. Baldacchino. Bdn. R.N.) nearly extremely fine (3) £300-340

Alberto Baldacchino was the son of Guiseppe and Guiseppa Baldacchino of Sliema, Malta. He served during the Great War as a Bandsman with the Royal Navy. Baldacchino was present with H.M.S. Defence at the Battle of Jutland, 31 May - 1 June 1916. The latter was the flagship of Rear-Admiral Sir Robert Arbuthnot, and led the First Cruiser Squadron during the battle. The Defence was engaged by the German battlecruiser SMS Derfflinger and several other battleships, resulting in her being hit by two salvoes which caused the detonation of a magazine and surrounding ammunition. The Defence exploded, with the loss of all hands.

Bandsman Baldacchino is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.