Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: Commander J. W. Gracey, Royal Naval Reserve

British War Medal 1914-20 (Commr. J. W. Gracey. R.N.R.); Mercantile Marine War Medal 1914-18 (James W. Gracey); Victory Medal 1914-19 (Commr. J. W. Gracey. R.N.R.); Jubilee 1935; Royal Naval Reserve Decoration, G.V.R., silver and silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1920, mounted court-style as worn, good very fine (5) £180-£220

James Whitla Gracey was born in 1884 at Letterkenny, County Donegal, Ireland. Between 1899 and 1901 he served as a Cadet on the training ship H.M.S. Conway, Liverpool and was awarded a Gold Medal as head of the ship. He was confirmed Midshipman, Royal Naval Reserve on 31 July 1901, Sub Lieutenant with seniority in 1907, Lieutenant with seniority in 1909 and Lieutenant-Commander acting Commander with seniority in 1917. As a Senior Salvage Officer aboard H.M.S. President during the Great War from 16 May 1916, Gracey was involved in the removal of the blockships from Zeebrugge and on two occasions received personal letters of commendation from the Admiralty in connection with confidential operations in the North Sea. Due to injuries sustained on duty he was placed on the Retired List of the Royal Naval Reserve with rank of Commander on 10 July 1919 and the same year he was appointed Haven Master for the Port of Bristol Authority. Commander Gracey, who was a founder member of the Company of Master Mariners, retired in 1948 and died in 1969.

Sold with a file of copied research, including several photographic images of the recipient.