Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

H.M.S. Ajax and H.M.S. Exeter Medal of Gratitude 1939, presented by the Chilean Municipality of Concepción for the Earthquake of 24 January 1939, bronze, the obverse featuring the Eagle coat of arms of Concepción, ‘Municipalidad de Concepción Chile’ around, the reverse inscribed ‘Gratitud a Marinos “Exeter” y “Ajax” Terremoto del 24-1-39.’, unnamed as issued, lacking riband, minor edge bruise, good very fine, rare £140-180

This medal was struck to be awarded to the crews of H.M.S. Exeter and Ajax of the Royal Navy’s South America Squadron for assisting with the humanitarian mission following the devastating earthquake at Concepción, Chile, on 24 January 1939. The earthquake, the deadliest in Chile’s history, measured 8.3 on the Richter scale and led to a death toll of approximately 28,000, and around 95% of the town’s buildings were completely destroyed. Owing to the outbreak of the Second World War, the majority of the medals were never issued.