Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Signalman E. Hammond, Royal Navy, who was killed in action during the Battle of Jutland, 31 May 1916, when H.M.S Defence exploded after being hit by two salvoes from SMS Derfflinger and several other German battleships, and sank with the loss of all hands

British War and Victory Medals (J.23834 E. Hammond. Sig. R.N.) BWM officially re-impressed, generally good very fine (2) £70-£90

Ernest Hammond was born in Peckham, London, on 13 August 1896, and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 12 March 1913. He served during the Great War in H.M.S. Defence from 1 October 1914, was advanced Signalman on 15 September 1915, and was killed in action whilst serving in H.M.S. Defence at the Battle of Jutland, 31 May 1916. The Defence was the flagship of Rear-Admiral Sir Robert Arbuthnot, and led the First Cruiser Squadron during the battle. She was engaged by the German battlecruiser S.M.S. Derfflinger and several other battleships, resulting in her being hit by two salvoes which caused the detonation of a magazine and surrounding ammunition. The Defence exploded, with the loss of all hands. Hammond is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.