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

Elven: Distinguished Service Cross, G.V.R.; 1914-15 Star Trio (Lieut. H. C. Legge, R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals; Delhi Durbar 1911; Jubilee 1935, together with small silver medal for the Prince of Wales’ visit to India 1911-12, the first eleven mounted as worn, nearly extremely fine (12)

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

View
Collection

D.S.C. London Gazette 11.11.1919 ‘for services in the Mine Clearance Force subsequent to the 30 June 1919.’

Heneager Cecil Legge joined the Royal Navy as a Midshipman on 15 September 1906, and was promoted to Sub Lieutenant on 30 November 1909. On passing for Lieutenant he obtained 2nd Class Certificates in Seamanship, Navigation, General Subjects, Pilotage, Gunnery and Torpedo. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 15 February 1912, Lieutenant Commander on 15 February 1920, and Commander on 31 December 1925.

He was appointed to H.M.S. SPANKER, Torpedo Gunboat as Navigating Lieutenant on 3 January 1914 and joined PEMBROKE for Miscellaneous Services, being appointed to H.M.S. ROBERTS, Monitor EM-4, on 30 April 1914. He served in this ship for nearly 3 years in Coastal Bombardment duties, before joining the Light Cruiser UNDAUNTED on 17 January 1918. On 10 April 1919 he was appointed to H.M.S. YEOVIL, Minesweeper, as 1st Lieutenant and it was in this ship that he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for Mine Clearance services.

He retired in August 1936 with the rank of Captain, being recalled for War Service in 1941 and appointed on 31December to H.M.S. LUCIFER, parent ship SWANSEA for ‘Miscellaneous Service’. On 20 February 1943 he was appointed to H.M.S. NILE, Parent Ship ALEXANDRIA, as Fleet Minesweeping Officer, and in the 1944 and 1945 the Navy List shows him as being on ‘Special Service’. He reverted to the Retired List in 1945 following demobilisation and died on 28 September 1956. The 1911 Delhi Durbar Medal was for services on board H.M.S. MEDINA and was presented personally by King George V at Bombay on 10 January 1912. The 1935 Jubilee Medal was awarded to him as Commander and Master Attendant of the Hong Kong Dockyard.