Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Commander W. Blood, Royal Navy, a submariner who received a glowing assessment from Nasmith V.C.

1914-15 Star (Mid. W. Blood, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. M. Blood, R.N.), very fine (3) £150-200

Morice Blood was born in April 1897, the son of a Major in the Indian Medical Service, and entered the Royal Navy as a cadet in January 1910. Appointed a Midshipman in the cruiser H.M.S. Cornwall in July 1914, he quickly saw action off the Falklands and remained similarly employed until transferring to the submarine branch as a Sub. Lieutenant in April 1917.

He subsequently witnessed active service in the E. 31 from June 1917 to August 1918, in which period he was advanced to Lieutenant, and in the E. 45 from the latter month until March 1919, when he removed to the L. 12 - the first of several appointments in L-class submarines over the next year or two. And he was clearly making his mark, or certainly according to a report written in October 1919, Nasmith, V.C.:

‘This officer places the interests of the Service before his own. Very loyal and has plenty of self-control. Is a good example to others and possesses the power of influencing them. Has a good power of command, is firm and has good judgement in dealing with his crew. Resourceful. Has consideration for others and takes great pains with regard to the welfare of his crew. His professional skill is well above the average. Good physique. Recommended for command of a submarine.’

Blood remained in the submarine branch until early 1925 and was placed on the Retired List at his own request in January 1927, upon which he was advanced to Commander in April 1937. In the following year he attended an instructor’s course and by the renewal of hostilities he was serving in the Naval Ordnance Inspection Department, in which capacity he was still employed - at Woolwich - in 1941; sold with copied service record.