Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Acting Petty Officer W. J. Gibbs, who served in Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships in the Second World War, and was Mentioned in Despatches in January 1945

British War and Victory Medals (J.43011 W. J. Gibbs. Ord. R.N.); Royal Fleet Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue (J.43301 (PO. B 17387) W. J. Gibbs. A.B. R.F.R.) very fine and better (3) £80-£100

William James Gibbs was born on 20 December 1899, at Lewes, Sussex. He commenced naval service as a Boy Second Class in H.M.S. Victory, on 17 August 1915. He then served in H.M.S. Impregnable, H.M.S. Vivid I, H.M.S. Orcoma, and Patrol Boat P30. He was appointed Able Seaman, H.M.S. Pekin (Tedworth) on 15 April 1919. He subsequently served in H.M.S. Maidstone (Holderness), H.M.S. Victory, H.M.S. Columbine (Bruce), and H.M.S. Tiger. He was discharged time expired on 19 December 1929, but joined the Royal Fleet Reserve the following day. He was mobilized for war service on 31 July 1939, and served in H.M.S. Danae, H.M.S. Excellent and H.M.S. President III. He was appointed to be Acting Leading Seaman, Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships (D.E.M.S.) on 27 February 1942, and Acting Petty Officer, D.E.M.S. 27 August 1942. He was released from war service in November 1945. For his services during the Second World War he was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 1 January 1945) ‘for gallantry or outstanding service in the face of the enemy, or for zeal, patience and cheerfulness in dangerous waters and for setting an example of wholehearted devotion to duty, upholding the high traditions of the Royal Navy.’