Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War C.B.E. group of three awarded to Captain C. W. Manners, Royal Navy, for valuable services as Commodore of Convoys

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, C.B.E. (Military) Commander’s 1st type, neck badge, the reverse arms engraved ‘Captain / C.W.M. / Plenderleath / 1919’; British War and Victory Medals (Capt. C. W. M. Plenderleath. R.N.) very fine (3) £300-£400

C.B.E. (Military) London Gazette 27 May 1919: ‘For valuable services as Commodore of Convoys.’

The original recommendation states: ‘In March 1918, served in the Commissioned Escort Ship “Wyncote” [formerly S.S. Den of Ruthven] for one Atlantic Convoy in lieu of a Flag Officer. The Convoy consisted of 29 Ships and there were no losses. In April 1918, he was detailed as Cdre of troop convoys in Mediterranean, which important duty he has carried out with much tact, good judgement, ability and without any losses. He was still employed on this duty when hostilities ceased.’

Claude William Manners Plenderleath was born in Wiltshire on 7 December 1863, son of the Rev. William C. Plenderleath. He joined the Royal Navy as a Naval Cadet in 1876, aged 12 years 8 months; retired as Captain, 1910; recalled for special duties on 1 August 1914 and appointed Commodore of Convoys on 3 March 1918; he served in this capacity until 30 July 1919. He died at Teignmouth, Devon, on 13 June 1937. Sold with copied research including record of service and C.B.E. recommendation.