A Small Collection of Medals to H.M.S. Benbow

Seven: Petty Officer B. E. Addison, Royal Navy

Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Somaliland 1908-10 (J.817 Boy 1Cl., H.M.S. Hyacinth); Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Persian Gulf 1909-1914 (J.817 Ord. Sean., H.M.S. Hyacinth; 1914-15 Star (J.817 L.S., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.817 L.S., R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (J.817 L.S., H.M.S. Benbow); Italy, Messina Earthquake Medal 1908, silver, unnamed, contact marks, fine (7) £350-400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Small Collection of Medals to H.M.S. Benbow.

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Bertie Edward Addison was born in Wilford, near Woodbridge, Suffolk, on 3 February 1892. A Labourer by occupation, he entered the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class at the Ganges Training Establishmenton 31 January 1908 and in October the same year was advanced to Boy 1st Class. At the time of the Messina Earthquake, he was serving as a Boy 1st Class aboard the Cressy - the vessel not taking part in the rescue and relief operations. He served on the Hyacinth, March 1909-June 1911, during which time he saw active service off the coast of Somaliland and in the Persian Gulf, being advanced to Ordinary Seaman in February 1910 and Able Seaman in February 1911. He was promoted to Leading Seaman in January 1915 when serving on the Hebe. During July-September 1916 he served aboard the monitor Sir John Moore and later in the war he served aboard the light battlecruiser Courageous, November 1916-March 1919. He served on the battleship Benbow, November 1920-October 1925 and was awarded the Long Service Medal in April 1925 and advanced to Acting Petty Officer in August the same year. He attained the rank of Petty Officer in August 1926 when based at the Ganges Training Establishment. His final service was aboard the battlecruiser Repulse, January 1931-February 1932, after which he was pensioned.

Sold with original Certificate of Service, Gunnery History Sheet, and R.N. Certificate for the Educational Test. Also with envelope for his certificates, addressed to him at Woodbridge, Suffolk.