Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Lieutenant-Commander W. H. Starling, Royal Navy

British War Medal 1914-20 (Lieut. W. H. Starling. R.N.); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension (W. H. Starling, Gr’s Mte. H.M.S. Excellent.) impressed naming; Khedive’s Sudan 1896-1908, no clasp, unnamed as issued, nearly extremely fine (3) £500-£700

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals from an Africa Collection.

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Oliver Sterling Lee Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, December 2004.

Approximately 149 Khedive’s Sudan Medals awarded to H.M.S. Scout.

William Henry Starling was born in Portsea, Hampshire in February 1858. He joined the Royal Navy as a boy 2nd class in March 1873, and advanced to petty officer 1st class in March 1883 (awarded his L.S. & G.C. Medal in March 1886).

Starling saw active service with H.M.S. Scout during the Dongola Expedition of 1896 - on his return to Vernon in December 1898 his service record notes that he incurred the displeasure of Their Lordships due to the condition of the 3-pounder guns returned from H.M.S. Scout. Nevertheless, Starling was advanced to chief gunner in October 1908 and to lieutenant in October 1911, but suffered the loss of his seniority in the latter rank when a court martial ‘partly proved’ a charge of theft whilst he was serving in Victory in February 1913. He was placed on the Retired List a few days later, ‘on account of age’.

Starling was recalled for service, 29 July 1914, and was appointed to H.M.S. Vernon. He served with the latter until his demobilisation as lieutenant commander in April 1920. Starling died in April 1930.

Sold with copied research.