Pair: Stoker Petty Officer W. Blatchford, Royal Navy

British War Medal 1914-20 (116070 W. Blatchford. S.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension, impressed naming (Walter Blatchford, Lg. Sto. 1st Cl. H.M.S. Vivid.) nearly extremely fine (2) £140-£180

Walter Blatchford was born on 16 January 1863, at Plymouth, Devon. He commenced naval service as Waiter and Officers Servant, H.M.S. Adelaide, on 15 February 1881, but was appointed Stoker Second Class, H.M.S. Indus by 2 March 1884. He was advanced to Stoker, H.M.S. Achilles, on 6 December 1884, and saw further service in H.M.S. Bellerophon, H.M.S. Indus, and H.M.S. Black Prince, being appointed Leading Stoker, H.M.S. Indus, on 25 October 1890. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1894, and was promoted Chief Stoker, H.M.S. Vivid II, on 21 April 1896. He reverted to Leading Stoker First Class, H.M.S. Nile on 11 July 1900, and was pensioned to shore in March 1901, joining the Royal Fleet Reserve on 5 March 1901. He was recalled for war service as Stoker Petty Officer on 2 August 1914, serving in H.M.S. Vivid. He was discharged to shore on 31 December 1921. The British War Medal is his sole medal entitlement for his service in the Great War.