Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare N.G.S. awarded to Able Seaman E. B. Hughes, Royal Navy who was wounded in action in the Debai Incident, Persian Gulf, 24 December 1910

Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Persian Gulf 1909-1914 (236057. E. B. Hughes, A.B. H.M.S. Hyacinth.) nearly extremely fine £300-£400

Edward B. Hughes was born in Tottenham, London, in April 1890. He joined the Royal Navy as Boy 2nd Class in March 1906. Hughes advanced to Able Seaman and served with H.M.S. Hyacinth, 27 March 1909 - 2 June 1911 (entitled to A.G.S. with ‘Somaliland 1908-10’ clasp). Hughes was one of the landing party from H.M.S. Hyacinth at Debai, 24 December 1910.

In early 1910 information was received aboard Hyacinth that rifles were being stored in houses on the seafront at Debai (also spelt Daibai and Dibai but now known as Dubai). The Sheikh, who had an agreement with the British Government not to export arms, was invited to co-operate in searching for them. A landing party was organised from Hyacinth and at 5.30 a.m. on the 24th December, 48 petty officers and men led by Captain J. D. Dick, the Flag Captain, and 33 marines led by Major G. M. Heriot, R.M.L.I., rowed ashore to begin the search. The Flag Captain proceeded to the Sheikh’s house and obtained permission while Major Heriot’s party began the search. Shortly afterwards the first arms were found, stored under the floor of a house. A number of men returned to the boats to collect picks and shovels and the task continued. After some two hours it became obvious that the Arabs had adopted a threatening attitude and shortly afterwards they opened fire on the Flag Captain’s party near the Sheikh’s house, on Major Heriot’s party and on the crews manning the boats. The whole incident was finished by about 10.20 a.m. after a few six-inch shells from Hyacinth had done some damage. The party was able to withdraw to their boats at about 12.30, accompanied by the Sheikh, but with a large armed mob lining the beach.

Able Seaman Hughes was wounded during the action, with the British suffering four seaman and one Marine killed, and five seaman and four marines wounded.

Hughes subsequently served during the Great War, including with H.M.S. Blenheim, 1915-16. He was discharged to Shore, 14 May 1920.