Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Seven: Commissioned Boatswain H. E. Summers, Royal Navy

1914-15 Star (190445, H. E. Summers, P.O., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Bosn. H. E. Summers. R.N.); Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (190445 H. E. Summers. P.O. H.M.S. St. Vincent.); Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.V.R., 2nd issue (Henry E. Summers.) mounted for display, contact marks, very fine (7) £160-£200

Henry Edwin Summers, a labourer from Gillingham, Kent, was born on 25 July 1881. He attested into the Royal Navy as a Boy on 3 September 1896. Advanced Ordinary Seaman on 25 July 1899, Able Seaman on 21 March 1901, Leading Seaman on 16 November 1903, and Petty Officer 1st Class on 17 February 1905, his L.S.G.C. was traced on 25 July 1914 and he was further Advanced Boatswain on 3 April 1915. He served during the Great War in H.M.S. St. Vincent, H.M.S. Dido and H.M.S. Emperor of India, where he was present at the Battle of Heligoland Bight in November 1917. He retired from the Royal Navy on 1 September 1920 and served in the Special Constabulary. Rejoining the Royal Navy for service during the Second War on 20 January 1941, he served at home in the training establishment H.M.S. Glendower, and was advanced Commissioned Boatswain on 20 July 1941. He reverted to the retired list on 27 August 1945 and died, aged 79, in Chichester, Sussex, on 14 September 1960.

Sold together with a tin medal awarded for the 2nd Cruiser Squadron’s visit to the United States of America in 1905, copied service papers, and other research.