The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection

Three: Private F. Forkin, Royal Marines Light Infantry, attached R.N.A.S. Armoured Cars

1914 Star, with clasp (Ply. 4873 Pte. F. Forkin, R.M.L.I., Armoured Cars); British War and Victory Medals (Ply. 4873 Pte. F. Forkin, R.M.L.I.), generally good very fine and rare (3) £500-600

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

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Francis Forkin was born at Minster Beverly, Yorkshire in June 1871 and enlisted in the Royal Marine Light Infantry in June 1889. Appointed a Private in the Plymouth Division, he enjoyed a number of seagoing appointments over the coming years, but witnessed no active service and was discharged to a pension in August 1910, when he was enrolled in the Royal Fleet Reserve.

Recalled on the outbreak of hostilities in August 1914, he was landed at Ostend in the same month and employed on special service with the Armoured Car Section, R.N.A.S. from 11 September until 12 October 1914, including the defence of Antwerp. Having then briefly served in the armed merchant cruiser H.M.S. Columbella, he reverted to duties ashore with the Plymouth Division in January 1915 and was demobilised in February 1919.