The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals (Part 2)

Naval Good Shooting Medal, G.V.R. (9383 Gunr. A. Sturges, R.M.A., H.M.S. King George V. 1914. 4 In. B.L.) very fine

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals.

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Albert Sturges was born on 27 April 1880 in Camberwell, Surrey, and was a master stevedore before enlisting into the Royal Marine Artillery on 11 March 1901. He was advanced to Gunner 2nd Class on 15 December 1901 and to Gunner on 20 March 1902. Embarked aboard his first ship H.M.S. VENERABLE (November 1902) and next served afloat aboard MARS (March 1906), NEW ZEALAND (June 1907), ARIADNE (June 1910), DUNCAN (August 1910), CARNARVON (January 1913) and KING GEORGE V (July 1913). He was awarded the Naval Good Shooting Medal in 1914 whilst aboard the latter vessel for accuracy with the 4" breech loading gun. He served aboard KING GEORGE V for the duration of the 1914-18 War and was present at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916 when KING GEORGE V was the Flagship of the 2nd Battle Squadron, flying the Flag of Vice Admiral Sir Martyn Jerram. He was promoted to Corporal on 6 July 1918 and served with the 6th Royal Marine Battalion in North Russia from 18 July to 7 October 1919. He disembarked to R.M.A. Depot on 15 October 1919 and served on shore until discharged with pension on 10 March 1922 having completed 21 years service. Poor character ratings of ‘good’ in 1908, 1913, and 1919 deprived him of his L.S. & G.C. medal. He enrolled in the Royal Fleet Reserve on 11 March 1922.