Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria, to include the Brian Ritchie Collection (Part I)

A fine Second World War anti-U-boat operations B.E.M. group of eight awarded to Able Seaman (and Gunlayer) W. C. Goody, Merchant Navy, late Royal Marines Light Infantry

British Empire Medal, (Civil) G.VI.R., 1st issue (William Charles Goody); British War and Victory Medals (CH. 21242 Pte., R.M.L.I.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, coinage bust (CH. 21242 Mne., R.M.), the first two heavily polished, thus fine, the last with edge bruising and contact wear, about very fine, the remainder good very fine (8) £250-300

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from the collection of Angela and the late Douglas Bertram.

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B.E.M. London Gazette 6 January 1942:

‘The track of a torpedo was sighted. The ship’s course was altered and the torpedo passed clear. The submarine then surfaced, and the ship’s company closed to actions stations. The enemy gave chase and fired a second torpedo, which missed. He then opened fire and hit the funnel, setting it on fire. It was dark and difficult to lay, but a range was calculated and the gunlayer returned the fire. The enemy then broke off the action, and was not seen again.’

William Charles Goody was decorated for his services as a gunlayer in the M.V. Canadian Star on the night of 19-20 July 1941, when that ship was attacked by the U-203 650 miles off Land’s End, while en route to Auckland (Seedie’s refers). In addition to Goody’s B.E.M., four of the Canadian Star’s officers were awarded commendations.

In March 1943, while sailing in convoy HX 229, the Canadian Star was torpedoed by the U-221 west of Newfoundland, 59 survivors being picked up by the corvettes Anemone and Pennywort. Among those lost was her captain, who was posthumously commended and awarded Lloyd’s Bravery Medal.