Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War D.S.M. group of five awarded to Chief Petty Officer W. S. Moore, Royal Navy, for service aboard the armed Merchant Cruiser H.M.S. Kildonan Castle during 1917

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (150625. W. S. Moore, C.P.O. H.M.S. Kildonan Castle. 1917.); China 1900, no clasp (W. S. Moore, P.O. 1Cl., H.M.S. Arethusa.); British War and Victory Medals (150625. W. S. Moore. C.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (150625 W. S. Moore, P.O. 1C., H.M.S. Goliath) minor contact marks, generally very fine (5) £800-£1,200

D.S.M. London Gazette 30 October 1917:
‘For services in Vessels of the Royal Navy employed on Patrol and Escort duty during the period 1st January to 31st December, 1917.’

William Samuel Moore was born in Swansea, Glamorgan, on 23 May 1874, and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy Second Class on 23 May 1892. Initially serving aboard H.M.S. Impregnable, between 1892 and 1912, he served on a very large number of ships, reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer by 1910. On 15 October 1912, Moore joined H.M.S. Excellent and was still serving aboard this ship at the outbreak of the Great War. Between 11 November 1914 and 20 August 1916, he served aboard H.M.S. Columbine, Stephen Furness, Thalia and Victory. On 21 August 1916, Moore was appointed to H.M.S. Kildonan Castle, serving with this ship until 1 December 1918. H.M.S. Kildonan Castle was a commercial liner converted for use as an Armed Merchant Cruiser. Between August 1916 and December 1918, she served with the Northern Patrol (10th Cruiser Squadron), protecting Central and North Atlantic convoys. After a brief period at H.M.S. Victory, Moore was paid of in February 1919.

Sold with copied service papers and other research. The medal roll shows not entitled to a 1914-15 Star.