Orders, Decorations and Medals

An M.B.E. and Jutland D.S.M. group of eight awarded to Lieutenant Henry Swales, Royal Navy

The Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) 1st type; Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (238189 P.O. H.M.S. Castor. 31 May-1 June 1916); 1914-15 Star (L.S. R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Gnr., R.N.); Defence & War Medals; Messina Earthquake Medal 1908, generally very fine or better (8) £800-1000

M.B.E. London Gazette 1 January 1934: Commissioned Gunner Henry Swales, D.S.M., R.N.

D.S.M. London Gazette 15 September 1916: Battle of Jutland.

Henry Swales was born at Newbury, Berkshire, on 10 March 1891, and entered the Royal Navy in February 1907, as Boy 2nd class; Ordinary Seaman, March 1909; Able Seaman, August 1910; Leading Seaman, November 1912; Petty Officer, September 1915. He served aboard the Euryalus during the rescue operations at Messina in 1908. He was appointed to the Castor, flagship of the 11th Flotilla at Jutland, in November 1915 and served on her until 25 July 1916. At Jutland she suffered 36 casualties. Swales was appointed Gunner, June 1917; Commissioned Gunner, March 1927; Lieutenant retired, 1941-46.