Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A well-documented group of four awarded to Able Seaman R. J. Laxton, Royal Navy, who served in H.M.S. Exeter in action against the Graf Spee at the Battle of the River Plate on 13 December 1939

1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, good very fine (4) £400-£500

Reginald James Laxton served as an Able Seaman in H.M.S. Exeter prior to the Second World War, and was serving in her during her tour of South America. Remaining in her following the outbreak of the Second World War, he was serving in her during the engagement with H.M.S. Ajax and H.M.S. Achilles against the German pocket battleship Graf Spee during the Battle of the River Plate, 13 December 1939.

Sold with the following related archive:
i) An official H.M.S. Exeter tour photograph album.
ii) A large quantity of photographs, both family and service related.
iii) A ‘Crossing the line’ certificate from H.M.S. Exeter, mounted in a glazed display frame.
iv) Two silver sporting medals, both named to the recipient; and two white metal Jubilee and Coronation Medals for 1935 and 1937
v) Two pairs of binoculars; a brass Naval rowlock; and other ephemera.

The glazing in the frame holding the Crossing the Line certificate is cracked.