The Donald G. Mellen Collection

Five: Lieutenant-Commander (former Chief Gunner) W. H. J. Parkin, Royal Navy

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, no clasp (P.O. 1 Cl., H.M.S. Gibraltar) impressed naming; 1914-15 Star (Gnr., R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (Ch. Gnr., R.N.); Delhi Durbar 1911, unnamed, mounted as worn, good very fine and better (5) £220-260

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Donald G. Mellen Collection.

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William Henry John Parkin was born in Alverstoke, Hampshire on 31 December 1878. From Greenwich Hospital School he entered the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in July 1894, being advanced to Boy 1st Class in March 1895. He was promoted to Ordinary Seaman in December 1896; Able Seaman in December 1897; Leading Seaman in August 1899; Petty Officer 2nd Class in June 1900 and Petty Officer 1st Class in January 1901. He served on H.M.S. Gibraltar, March 1901-May 1902. Parkin was commissioned Acting Gunner in May 1903, his rank confirmed in June 1904. As a Gunner on H.M.S. Medina he was awarded the Delhi Durbar 1911, being a member of the R.N. Guard of Honour at Delhi. He served throughout the Great War on the battleship H.M.S. St. Vincent. Promoted to Chief Gunner in May 1918 and Lieutenant in August 1922. Retired with the rank of Lieutenant-Commander in August 1930. With copied service papers and other research.