A Collection of 1914 Stars to the Royal Naval Division

Eight: Commander E. D. P. Pinks, Drake Battalion, Royal Naval Division, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, a veteran of the defence of Antwerp and Gallipoli, he went on to serve with H.M.S. Chester during the Battle of Jutland, where his crew mate Boy 1st Class J. T. Cornwell, was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross. Pinks served with the Naval Intelligence Division during the Second World War, and was Naval Liaison Officer to Charles de Gaulle

1914 Star, with clasp (Lieut E. D. P. Pinks, R.N.V.R.. Drake Bttn. R.N.D.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. E. D. P. Pinks. R.N.V.R.); France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45; Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Decoration, G.V.R., silver and silver-gilt, hallmarks for London 1923, unnamed as issued; Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (Lt. Comdr E. D. P. Pinks, R.N.V.R. London Div.) with Cross of Lorraine rosette and enamel badge, generally good very fine (8) £1,000-£1,400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of 1914 Stars to the Royal Naval Division.

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Edward Dennis Picton Pinks was born in Brixton, London in November 1888. He was educated at Westminster School and Cambridge University, where he won the Colquhoun Sculls in 1909. Pinks also won the London Sculling Cup in 1913, and was runner up in the Diamond Sculls at Henley in 1913. He was commissioned Sub Lieutenant in the London Division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in March 1909, and mobilised in August 1914. Pinks was posted to the Drake Battalion, Royal Naval Division and served with them during the defence of Antwerp. He returned to the UK, advanced to Acting Lieutenant and served at the RND Headquarters at Crystal Palace.

Pinks served with the Drake Battalion in Gallipoli, and advanced to Acting Lieutenant Commander in August 1915. He was posted for service with H.M.S. Chester (light cruiser) in January 1916, and was present with her when she served as part of the 3rd Battle Cruiser Squadron during the Battle of Jutland, 31 May - 1 June 1916. The Chester came under heavy German fire during the battle, receiving 18 direct hits, and she suffered total casualties of 29 killed and 49 wounded, including Boy 1st Class J. T. Cornwell, who was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross.

Pinks advanced to Lieutenant in February 1917, and served with H.M.S. Tomahawk for the remainder of the war. He was demobilised in 1919, and advanced to Lieutenant Commander in April 1920. Pinks retired as Commander in November 1928. He was employed by the Anglo Persian Oil Company in 1921, and became Manager of its marketing organisation in Belgium. Pinks was recalled for war service in January 1941, and appointed to H.M.S. President for Special & Miscellaneous Services with the Naval Intelligence Division. He was appointed to the Admiralty for service on the Staff of the Principal British Naval Liaison Officer to the Allied Navies in June 1942. Pinks served in France in 1945, and was Naval Liaison Officer to Charles de Gaulle. Commander Pinks was demobilised in 1946, died in December 1949, and was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium.

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