Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A New Zealand Memorial Cross issued in remembrance of Able Seaman J. W. Calvert, Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve, who lost his life when H.M.S. Neptune was struck by four mines whilst trying to intercept an Italian convoy off Tripoli, 19 December 1941

New Zealand Memorial Cross, G.VI.R. (A/1880 A.B. J. W. Calvert) in case of issue, good very fine £140-£180

James William Calvert was the son of Mr and Mrs J. W. Calvert of Auckland, New Zealand. He served with the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve during the Second War, and was killed in action when his ship H.M.S. Neptune was struck by four mines whilst trying to intercept an Italian convoy off Tripoli, 19 December 1941.

Able Seaman Calvert was one of the crew of over 700 hundred to lose their lives after she hit the fourth mine and capsized. He is commemorated on the New Zealand Naval Memorial, Auckland.