Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War D.S.M. group of three awarded to Leading Seaman W. J. W. Newland, Royal Navy, for services in H.M.S. Hecla during a heavy gale in December 1917
Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (225861. W. J. W. Newland, Lg. Sean. H.M.S. Hecla. 1917); British War and Victory Medals (225861 W. J. W. Newland. L.S. R.N.) light contact wear, otherwise nearly very fine (3) £700-£900

D.S.M. London Gazette 8 March 1918:
‘For services in destroyer and torpedo boat flotillas during the period ending 31st December 1917.’

The recommendation states: ‘H.M.S. Hecla 2nd T.B.Ds. 16 December 1917. At Rathmullan a very heavy gale sprung up at about 3am. This man at very considerable risk to his life, went down into steamboats lying alongside, which had no crew in them, and by his personal exertions prevented the loss of the boats. (ADM 116/1561/MS18 refers).

William Johnson Warnes Newland was born on 9 June 1885, at Blakeney, Norfolk. He commenced naval service as Boy 2 Class, H.M.S. Northampton, on 2 April 1903, and advanced to Boy 1 Class on 2 July 1903; Ordinary Seaman, H.M.S. Cleopatra, 2 October 1903, and to Able Seaman, H.M.S. Brilliant, on 13 October 1904. He became a Seaman Gunner on 14 July 1905; Gunlayer 3rd Class, 31 January 1913, and Gunlayer 2nd Class on 20 March 1915. It was not until 1 October 1915 that he was advanced to Leading Seaman in H.M.S. Tartar. He served in H.M.S. Hecla, at least nominally for pay purposes, from 9 December 1915 to 6 November 1920. He was shore pensioned on 15 June 1925, after 22 years service, joining the Royal Fleet Reserve two days later. Recalled for war service in October 1939, he served in H.M.S. Pembroke I, and H.M.S. Wildfire (Queenborough Pier). He was invalided out of the service in January 1944. He was also entitled to a 1914-15 Star and would have a medal entitlement for his Second World War Service.