The James Fox Collection of Naval Awards

Naval Good Shooting Medal, E.VII.R. (210779 W. C. Blundell, A.B., H.M.S. Fox. 1905. 4.7. In. Q.F.) official correction to surname, otherwise nearly extremely fine £300-£400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The James Fox Collection of Naval Awards.

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William Cuthbert Blundell was born on 18 December 1882, in Birmingham and had been an errand boy before he joined the Navy in Northampton on 10 July 1900 as a Boy 2nd Class, advancing to Boy 1st Class on 9 October 1900 and to Ordinary Seaman on 11 February 1901. Advanced to Able Seaman on 23 October 1902, this was to be the rate he remained in for the rest of his career until discharged by purchase on 20 May 1911.

Blundell became a Seaman Gunner in February 1904 and a Gunlayer in April 1902, remaining a gunnery specialist also for the rest of his career. He joined Fox on 26 November 1904, remaining in her until 23 January 1907, during which he was awarded this Good Shooting medal. From then on, though, his career deteriorated and on 18 January 1908, he deserted from Revenge, being recovered on 29 January (although it is also stated that he was recovered on 4 February). On 8 February he was sentenced to 28 days hard labour and reduced to 2nd Class for Conduct (restored to 1st Class on 7 September 1908). Returning to Revenge he was next sentenced to 9 days in cells on 27 August 1909, and being reduced again to 2nd Class for Conduct before deserting again on 18 October 1909, being recovered on 1 November and sentenced to 60 days hard labour after which he was drafted to Excellent.

A year later, on 25 December 1910, Blundell was restored to 1st Class for Conduct, but clearly decided that discharge by purchase was a better option and he was discharged 5 months later. He had been given a Good Conduct Badge on 11 February 1904, but this too was removed on 8 February 1908 and was never restored.

Examination of the Great War Medal Roll indicates no awards so he was not called up, nor did he volunteer. He would have been just under 32 at the outbreak of war.

Sold with copied record of service and medal roll entry.