The fine collection of attributed British Officers' Swords formed by Hal Giblin

Lieutenant Frank Thompson Ormand, Royal Navy, Commanding H.M.Submarine A-3, and killed 6th February 1912, when she was run down by H.M.S. Hazard whilst on exercises off the Isle of Wight

Royal Navy officer’s sword, blade 80cm of light pattern, by Henry Wilkinson, Pall Mall, London (No 41310) etched with Royal Arms, fouled anchor, rope & foliage &c., gilt brass solid hilt with fouled anchor and lion’s head pommel, white fish-skin covered grip bound with copper wire, the folding guard engraved ‘F. T. Ormand R.N.’, in its black patent leather scabbard with matching gilt mounts, blade in near pristine condition, much of gilt polished off fittings, minor creasing to patent leather scabbard £250-£300

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The fine collection of attributed British Officers' Swords formed by Hal Giblin.

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Sword sold by Wilkinson to F. T. Ormand, May 1903.

Frank Thompson Ormand, born in Crewe, became a Midshipman in May 1904, Sub-Lieutenant in 1907, and in his examination for promotion took four firsts. He was promoted Lieutenant in October 1908, and was appointed to HMS Arrogant for command of H.M.Submarine A-4, in November 1911. He married in December 1911, and two months later found himself in temporary command H.M.Submarine A-3, whilst a brother officer was on leave.

On 6th February 1912, the A-3 left harbour at about 9.30 a.m., in company with several A and C class submarines for exercises off the Isle of Wight. The exercises had been underway for several hours when the A-3 blew tanks, and surfaced directly in the path of H.M.S. Hazard. With a large hole torn in her side A-3 plunged out of control to the seabed. The four officers and ten ratings stood no chance of escape and perished with her. The A-3 was raised five weeks later and towed, eventually, into Portsmouth Harbour. On passing the submarine base at Fort Blockhouse, the procession received a salute of bugle calls and dipped ensigns. The fourteen bodies were recovered and buried with full Naval honours at the Royal Naval Cemetery, Portsmouth.