Pair: Leading Stoker C. Tonks, Royal Navy

Victory Medal 1914-19 (K.27019 Sto.1, R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, coinage head (K.27019 L. Sto., H.M.S. Dolphin) first with edge bruising, worn; second good very fine (2) £40-60

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection.

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Charles Tonks was born in Southwark, London, on 16 January 1897. A Seaman by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Navy as a Stoker 2nd Class on 16 June 1915. As such he served aboard the battleship Malaya at the battle of Jutland, 31 May-1 June 1916. The battleship, part of the 5th Battle Squadron, was heavily involved in the battle, taking eight ‘hits’ and suffering casualties. Tonks remained on the ship until July 1917, being advanced to Stoker 1st Class on 16 June 1916. He was posted to Queen Elizabeth in September 1921 and was advanced to Acting Leading Stoker in October 1923, being confirmed in that rank in October 1924 when on Columbine. With copied service paper.