Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Colour Sergeant F. J. Wren, Royal Marine Light Infantry, who took part in the Zeebrugge Raid, 23 April 1918- his name was subsequently included in the V.C. ballot for this action

British War and Victory Medals (Ch. 19997 Pte. F. J. Wren. R.M.L.I.) BWM suspension loose; Jubilee 1935 (Ch. 19997. Cr. Sgt. F. J. Wren. R.M.) engraved naming; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (Ch. 19997 F. J. Wren. Sgt. R.M.) contact marks, fine (4) £340-£380

Frank Joseph Wren was born in Stratford, Essex in June 1898, and enlisted in the Royal Marine Light Infantry 23 June 1915. Posted to the Chatham Division, he served during the Great War in H.M.S. Swiftsure (battleship) from 13 May 1916. He subsequently took part in the Zeebrugge Raid on 23 April 1918, where he formed part of the naval and marine storming parties that landed on the Mole from H.M. Ships Vindictive, Daffodil and Iris to act as a diversion while block ships filled with concrete were sailed into the canal entrance and sunk.

Casualties during the Zeebrugge raid were heavy and such was the bravery of all those involved aboard the three vessels that Article 13 of the Victoria Cross warrant was invoked. This stipulates that, when a corps or unit so distinguishes itself as to make it impossible to single out individuals, crosses should be awarded by a ballot of those who survived. Two Victoria Crosses were awarded to the Royal Marines by this method and another two to the naval personnel. Under a further provision of Article 13, all those who did not receive the V.C. had their records of service annotated to the effect that they had participated in the ballot for the V.C., and Wren’s service record is thus annotated.

Wren advanced to Corporal in February 1922, and to Sergeant in October 1928 (awarded L.S. & G.C. in August 1931). He was discharged to Pension as Colour Sergeant in June 1937, only to be mobilised in September the following year. Wren was found physically unfit for Royal Marine Service, and invalided, 4 February 1942. He died in July 1948.

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