Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Ordinary Seaman J. W. Marsh, Royal Navy, who was killed in action at the Battle of Jutland on 1 June 1916, when H.M.S. Black Prince exploded and sank with all hands

1914-15 Star (J.35814. J. W. Marsh. Ord., R.N.); Victory Medal 1914-19 (J.35814 J. W. Marsh. Ord. R.N.) nearly extremely fine (2) £100-£140

John William Marsh was born in Manchester on 28 March 1894 and joined the Royal Navy as an Ordinary Seaman on 13 March 1915, for the duration of hostilities. He served during the Great War in H.M.S. Black Prince from 3 May 1915, and was killed in action at the Battle of Jutland on 1 June 1916: during the late afternoon and night of 31 May the Black Prince had lost touch with the main fleet, and at about 00.15 on 1 June she found herself 1,600 yards from ships of the German 1st Battle Squadron. Illuminated by searchlights, several German battleships then swept her with fire at point blank range. Unable to respond, she burst into flames and four minutes later after a terrific explosion she sank with all hands - 37 officers, 815 ratings, and 5 civilians.

Marsh is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial.