Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: Chief Petty Officer C. Wilson, Royal Navy, who served in H.M.S. St. Vincent at the Battle of Jutland, 31 May 1916

China 1900, no clasp (A. Wilson., A.B., H.M.S. Orlando.); 1914-15 Star (205966, A. Wilson, P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (205966 A. Wilson. Act. C.P.O. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (205966 Albert Wilson, P.O., H.M.S. St. Vincent.) extremely fine (5) £300-£400

Albert Wilson was born in Wicklow, Ireland in July 1876. Having previously served in the Royal Naval Reserve, he enlisted into the Royal Navy in August 1899 and was first assigned to H.M.S. Duke of Wellington as an Able Seaman before immediately transferring to H.M.S. Orlando. He served aboard this ship during its involvement in the Boxer Rebellion of 1900: some sailors from H.M.S. Orlando, who were awarded the Relief of Pekin clasp, formed part of the force attempting to relieve the British Legation in Pekin.

Throughout the duration of the Great War, having reached the rate of Petty Officer of Gunnery, Wilson served aboard the dreadnought battleship H.M.S. St. Vincent and was awarded a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in September 1914. He was present during the ship’s involvement in the Battle of Jutland where she fired a total of 98 twelve-inch shells, scoring hits on the battlecruiser S.M.S. Moltke. Wilson was discharged to pension in August 1921 and although over 45 years of age, he was granted permission to join the Royal Fleet Reserve.