Four: A Great War ‘Minelaying’ M.S.M. group of four awarded to Chief Engine Room Artificer First Class J. E. A. Harding, Royal Navy

1914-15 Star (269402. J. E. A. Harding. CERA.2., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (269402. J. E. A. Harding. CERA.1. R.N.); Royal Naval Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R. (269402. J. E. A. Harding, C.E.R.A. 1Cl. “Sandfly”. Mine laying. 1 July-11 Nov. 1918) contact marks, traces of lacquer, otherwise good very fine (4) £400-£500

Dix Noonan Webb, March 2012.

M.S.M. London Gazette 24 March 1919

James Edward Albert Harding was born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire on 10 July 1876. A Fitter by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Navy as an Acting Engine Room Artificer Fourth Class on 9 August 1898. He was confirmed in the rank in July 1900 whilst serving in H.M.S. Duke of Wellington. Serving in H.M.S. Hecla between June 1910 and April 1911, he was promoted to Engine Room Artificer First Class in January 1911 and Acting Chief Engine Room Artificer Second Class in April 1911. He was confirmed as Chief Engine Room Artificer Second Class in April 1912 whilst serving in H.M.S. Pathfinder.

Harding served in the destroyer H.M.S. Sandfly throughout the Great War, the ship being latterly employed as a minelayer with the 20th Destroyer Flotilla in the North Sea. For his services as Chief Engine Room Artificer First Class aboard the ship in the last months of the war he was awarded the Royal Navy M.S.M. He was demobilised on 6 September 1920.