The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection

Royal Naval Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R. (SS6386 A. Wade, A.B., “Orlionok” Caspian 8 Aug. 1919) edge bruising, contact marks, about very fine, rare £500-600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection.

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Ex Douglas-Morris Collection, B.D.W. 12 February 1997.

M.S.M. London Gazette 22 January 1920 ‘The following awards have been approved for services in the Caspian Sea.’

Early in April 1919 the two ex-Tsarist ships Orlionok and Bibiabat were converted to Seaplane Carriers as part of the British Naval involvement in Russian affairs in the Caspian Sea. On 8 August 1919 the two ships attacked the town of Ashurada in North Persia where they captured the revolutionary gunboat Chasovay and the two merchant ships Van and Ess. In addition they took some 200 prisoners, several barques and arms and ammunition. The Captain of the Orlionok, Lieutenant W. B. Chilton, D.S.C., R.N.R., was awarded a Bar to his D.S.C. ‘for distinguished services in Command of Seaplane Carriers in the Caspian Sea’. Two ratings, Able Seaman Albert Wade of the Orlionok and Leading Seaman Alfred Edward Harris of the Bibiabat were each awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

Albert Wade was born in Barnsley, Yorkshire on 25 August 1907. A Paper Cutter by occupation, he entered the Royal Navy as an Ordinary Seaman on 14 September 1915. Served on Vivid I, September 1915-January 1916; Valiant, January 1916-September 1917; Vivid I, October 1917-January 1918; Egmont, January-March 1918; Moth, March-July 1918; Mantis, August-December 1918. Promoted to Able Seaman in December 1916; Wade was demobilised in October 1920. With copied service paper.