Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Blacksmith S. F. Sowden, Royal Navy

1914-15 Star (342642, S. F. Sowden. Blk., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (342642 S. F. Sowden. Blk. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (342642 S. F. Sowden. Blacksmith, H.M.S. Skirmisher.) mounted as worn, nearly very fine (4) £70-£90

Stephen Francis Sowden was born in Torpoint, Cornwall, on 26 August 1877 and joined the Royal Navy as a Blacksmith’s Mate on 1 May 1899. Advanced Blacksmith on 3 September 1907, he joined the cruiser H.M.S. Skirmisher on 1 July 1913, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 7 May 1914. He served in Skirmisher throughout the Great War, and was shore pensioned on 6 July 1921.