Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War D.S.M. group of six awarded to Chief Engineer Room Artificer S. Fletcher, Royal Navy, who was decorated for services in the East Mediterranean

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (269985. S. Fletcher. C.E.R.A. H.M.S. Scourge. E. Mediterranean.); Africa General Service 1909-56, 1 clasp, Somaliland 1902-04 (S. Fletcher, E.R.A. 3 Cl., H.M.S. Mohawk.), officially re-impressed; 1914-15 Star (269985, S. Fletcher, C.E.R.A 2., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Art. Eng S. Fletcher. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (269985. Samuel Fletcher, Ch. E.R.A. 2 Cl. H.M.S. Britomart.), good very fine (6) £800-£1,200

D.S.M. London Gazette 10 April 1917:
‘For services in the Eastern Mediterranean up to 30 June 1916’

Samuel Fletcher was born on 10 February 1878 in Dunkinfield, Cheshire, and was a boilermaker, before he entered naval service on 12 January 1900 as an acting Engine Room Artificer 4th Class. He served in H.M.S. Mohawk between 8 January 1903 and 13 July 1904, including during operations against the Mad Mullah off the coast of Somaliland, seeing promotion to Engine Room Artificer 3rd Class on 10 January 1903. Rated as a Chief Engine Room Artificer 3rd Class since 1 May 1913, he was serving as such in H.M.S. Scourge on the outbreak of the Great War, remaining in her until 1 November 1916, when he transferred to H.M.S. Ortavia, serving in her until 31 March 1918. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 10 April 1919.

Scourge was used during the Gallipoli campaign to help transfer regiments to the shore at Anzac Cove and Suvla Bay. Subsequently, she assisted in the rescue of passengers from the sinking H.M. Hospital Ship Britannic.