Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria, to include the Brian Ritchie Collection (Part II)

Four: Stoker Petty Officer A. J. Sharpe, Royal Navy

1914-15 Star (358530 S.P.O., R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals (358530 S.P.O., R.N.); Royal Navy L.S.& G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (358530 S.P.O., H.M.S. Southampton) some contact marks, very fine and better (4) £120-160

Albert Joseph Sharpe was born in Selsey, Sussex on 2 January 1884. A labourer by occupation, he entered the Royal Navy as a Domestic 3rd Class in August 1900. Becoming a Stoker 2nd Class in August 1904, he attained the rank of Stoker Petty Officer in January 1913. He served the entire war aboard the cruiser Southampton and was present at the battles of Heligoland, Dogger Bank and Jutland. In the latter battle, as part of the 2nd Light Cruiser Squadron, the Southampton was heavily involved. At about 10.30pm. on 31 March the 2nd L.C.S. was suprised in the dark by the German 4th Scouting Group. Suddenly switching on their searchlights, at point-blank range, the illuminated Southampton and Dublin were heavily shelled. In returning fire, the enemy ships were also hit and the light cruiser Frauenlob was sunk by a torpedo fired by the Southampton. In the frantic action lasting 2-3 minutes the Southampton received 18 hits and suffered 35 men killed and 40 wounded. Surviving these actions, Sharpe was pensioned ashore in April 1924. Sold with the book The Fighting at Jutland, edited by Fawcett and Hooper, in which there are several narratives of the action. Also with copied service details.