Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Chief Yeoman of Signals J. E. Cole, Royal Navy

British War and Victory Medals (J.2885 J. E. Cole. L.Sig. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue, fixed suspension (J.2885 J. E. Cole. Y. S. H.M.S. Columbine.) contact marks, heavily polished and worn, therefore fair to fine (3) £60-£80

James Edward Cole was born on 23 December 1892, at Bethnal Green, London. He commenced naval service as a Boy Second Class in H.M.S. Ganges, on 3 September 1908. He was appointed to be Boy First Class (Signals), H.M.S. Impregnable, on 8 May 1909, and was advanced to Ordinary Signaller, H.M.S. Patrol on 23 December 1910, and Signaller, on 3 November 1911. He was again advanced to Leading Signaller, H.M.S. Woolwich (Goshawk) on 5 May 1915. He served in H.M.S. Paris from September 1916 to 31 December 1918, and was then loaned to the Royal Australian Navy for two years from 27 January 1920. He reverted to the Royal Navy and was appointed Yeoman of Signals, H.M.S. Pembroke I, on 1 March 1922. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in March 1926, and was later appointed Chief Yeoman of Signals, H.M.S. Danae. He was pensioned to shore from H.M.S. Pembroke, in December 1932, but was recalled for war service on 27 August 1939, and saw service in H.M.S. President (Dover Castle), H.M.S. Lynx (Sandhurst) and H.M.S. President II (Grove Point). He was released from service in H.M.S. Boscawen, in November 1944.