Three: Signal Lieutenant W. J. Cussock, Royal Navy, who was Mentioned in Despatches for his services in the Aegean

1914-15 Star (Sig. Bosn. W. J. Cussack, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals, with unofficial M.I.D. oak leaves emblem (Ch. S. Bosn. W. J. Cussack. R.N.) mounted as worn, edge bruise to BWM, otherwise good very fine (3) £100-£140

William James Cussack was born in St. Helen’s, Jersey, on 15 January 1873, and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 1 August 1888, serving in H.M.S. Lion. He was advanced Yeoman of Signals in H.M.S. Arrogant on 18 January 1900, and was promoted to Acting Signal Boatswain on 25 June 1902, whilst serving in H.M.S. Illustrious. Posted to the cruiser H.M.S. Skirmisher on 26 January 1914, he served in her for the majority of the Great War, as part of the 6th Light Cruiser Squadron; was promoted Chief Signal Boatswain on 26 June 1917; and was Mentioned in Despatches for his services in the Aegean (London Gazette 14 May 1918). He transferred to H.M.S. Europa on 5 April 1918, and following the cessation of hostilities took up a staff appointment at H.M. Signal Station Devonport. He retired with the rank of Signal Lieutenant on 10 September 1921, and died on 23 April 1930.

Sold with the recipient’s Parchment Certificate of Service; a book of the recipients individual character certificates from each ship on which he served; named invitation to the Investiture of H.R.H. The Prince of Wales at Carnarvon, 13 July 1911; various individual and group photographs; and the following related and unrelated medals &c.:

National Temperance League, Royal Naval Branch, Membership Medal, silver; Royal Naval Temperance Society 1 Year Medal, silver and enamel, with integral top ‘Fidelity’ riband bar; Royal Naval Temperance Society Star of Merit, silver, with Crimean-style ‘Merit’ clasp; Commemorative Medallion for the investiture of H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, 1911, silver; a Miniature ‘Jutland’ Medal, silver, by Spink & Son, London; H.M.S. Skirmisher lapel badge, silver and enamel; a small silver shield, inscribed ‘Presented to Mr. W. J. Cussack, C.S.B., R.N., by Signal Staff H.M. Signal Station Devonport, on his Retirement, Sep. 1921.’; and a 9ct gold watch chain pendant containing two photographs of the recipient, one as a boy, and the other as a Signal Lieutenant.