Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Naval Good Shooting Medal, E.VII.R. (R.M.A.8600 Act. Bomb. W. C. Ballard, H.M.S. Albemarle, 1906. 6in. B.L.) minor edge bruise, good very fine £240-280

William Charles Ballard was born in Eastney, Portsmouth on 24 July 1882. A Grocer’s Assistant by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Marines at Eastney on 2 January 1900. He was posted to the Royal Marine Artillery in August 1900. Ballard served on the battleship H.M.S. Albemarle, January 1906-August 1908 and was advanced to Bombardier in July 1907. As an Acting Bombardier aboard the ship, he won the Naval Good Shooting Medal in 1906. He was appointed a Corporal in May 1911 and a Sergeant in March 1914. During the Great War he served at home, being awarded the Long Service Medal in October 1915. Sergeant Ballard, R.M. died on 21 September 1916 and was buried in the Portsmouth (High Road) Cemetery. Also entitled to a British War Medal. With copied service paper.