Medals from the Collection of the Late Eric Smith (Part II)

The Great War Memorial Plaque to Able Seaman C. C. Wright, Royal Navy, who was killed in action in H.M.S. Monmouth in November 1914

Memorial Plaque 1914-18 (Coleman Carolan Wright), in card envelope, extremely fine £50-70

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the Collection of the late Eric Smith.

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Coleman Carolan Wright was killed in action at the Battle of the Coronel on 1 November 1914, while serving in the armoured cruiser H.M.S. Monmouth. His death is reported in the following terms in the local press (original newspaper cutting refers):

‘Coastguard Wright of Marazion, who lost his life in the Monmouth, was summoned away in the early morning of the Monday preceding the declaration of war. He was much esteemed at Marazion, where he was a general favourite. At the Wesleyan School on Sunday last a vote of condolence with Mrs. Wright was passed by the officers, teachers and scholars, and at the evening service in the chapel Mr. S. King made reference to the event, which had cast a shadow over the town ... ’

The son of John and Mary Wright of Mousehole, Penzance, Cornwall and the husband of Lily Wright of 9 Alma Place, Penzance, he was 45 years of age and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.