Nine: Leading Telegraphist F. Tones, Royal Navy, who served aboard H.M.S. Attentive in North Russia in 1918, as described in detail in his accompanying diary of the period, and who was recommended for an ‘Immediate’ mention in despatches following an explosion aboard H.M.S. Fitzroy in June 1942

1914-15 Star (J.22539. F. Tones, Tel. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J.22539. F. Tones. L. Tel. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Fleet Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. coinage head (J.22539 (CH.B, 16720) F, Tones. L. Tel. R.N.R.); Imperial Service Medal, E.II.R., 2nd issue (Frederick Tones) in its Royal Mint case of issue, very fine or better (9) £280-£320

Frederick Tones was born at Battersea, London, on 8 December 1896, and joined the Navy as a Boy 2nd Class aboard H.M.S. Impregnable in January 1913. He engaged for 12 years as an Ordinary Seaman aboard H.M.S. Russell on his 18th birthday in 1914, advancing to Ordinary Telegraphist in July 1915, to Telegraphist in December 1915, and to Leading Telegraphist in November 1916. He joined H.M.S. Attentive on 18 May 1918, and was aboard throughout the voyage to North Russia from June to the end of October 1918, witnessing at first hand much fighting against the Bolsheviks which he describes in great detail in his accompanying diary of that period. He was discharged to shore on 5 February 1920, and joined the Royal Fleet Reserve on 3 March 1921.

Tones saw subsequent service during the Second World War, and in May 1942 he was serving aboard H.M.S. Fitzroy when, while engaged in dan-laying operations, the ship hit a mine and sank. Tones was recommended for an ‘Immediate’ Mention in Despatches on this occasion in the following terms:
‘Although badly shocked and suffering superficial cuts as a result of the explosion, carried out the disposal of the S.P’s in his charge under great difficulties, with admirable efficiency and calmness. For cool and efficient devotion to duty.’
Unfortunately for Tones the recommendation was not approved.

Sold together with three ‘Battersea Schools’ Sports Association’ medals, silver and enamel, ‘Junior League Champions 1908; Junior Team Champions 1909; Boy Champion 1910’, all named ‘F. Tomes’; two ‘H.M.S. Impregnable’ bronze prize medals, 38mm, reverses inscribed ‘Open Championship Second F. Tones. 15th Sept. 1913’ and ‘Fully Dressed Swimming 50 Yards Second F. Tones. 15th Sept. 1913’; an open-faced nickel-cased pocket watch, the outer case inscribed ‘L. Tel Tones from 106 Class H.M.S. Ganges 1940’, relic condition only, lacking glass and hands, movement rusted; a manuscript diary kept aboard H.M.S. Attentive during the ship’s voyage to North Russia, 2 June to 26 October 1918, 66pp, lacking title page and first two pages detached and damaged at edges, otherwise easily legible and full of good detail of operations and fighting against the Bolsheviks; and copied record of service and official report of Fitzroy’s sinking.