Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Family group:

Four: Chief Stoker R. O. Kelly, Royal Navy, who was killed in action when H.M.S. Invincible was sunk at the Battle of Jutland, 31 May 1916
1914-15 Star (290749. R. O. Kelly. Ch. Sto., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (290749 R. O. Kelly. Ch. Sto. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (290749 R. O. Kelly, Actg. Ch. Sto. H.M.S. Duncan:) good very fine

Three: Driver R. O. Kelly, Royal Engineers, who died on active service, 2 September 1943
1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 1st Army, this loose; War Medal 1939-45, with named condolence slip, good very fine (7) £300-£400

Richard Owen Kelly was the son of Richard and Louisa Ann Kelly of Portsmouth. He married Mary Jane Kelly, and resided at 103 Northend Grove, Northend, Portsmouth. Kelly served during the Great War as a Chief Stoker in H.M.S. Invincible. He was killed in action at the Battle of Jutland, 31 May 1916, when the Battle Cruiser H.M.S. Invincible suffered a direct hit to her midships magazine, which blew her in half, and caused her to sink within 90 seconds with the loss of all but six of her crew of 1,032 Officers and ratings. Like the vast majority of the crew Kelly is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

Reginald Owen Kelly was the son of the above, and was a native of Portsmouth. He served during the Second War as a Driver in the Royal Engineers. Kelly died on active service, 2 September 1943, and is buried in Portsmouth (Kingston) Cemetery.