Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Armed Merchant Cruiser Operations’ D.S.M. group of five awarded to Engine Room Storekeeper R. C. James, Mercantile Fleet Auxiliary

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (R. C. James, Lg. Fire'n. (M.M.), H.M.S. Almanzora, 1916); 1914-15 Star (R. C. James, E.R. Stkpr., M.F.A.); British War Medal 1914-20 (R. C. James, E.R. Stkpr., M.F.A.); Mercantile Marine War Medal 1914-18 (Robert C. James); Victory Medal 1914-19 (R. C. James, E.R. Stkpr., M.F.A.) edge bruise to first, otherwise nearly extremely fine and a scarce combination (5) £1,200-£1,600

D.S.M. London Gazette 21 April 1917:
‘In recognition of services in the Patrol Cruisers under the command of Vice-Admiral G. O. Tupper, C.B., C.V.O., during the period 1 July to 31 December 1916.’

Robert Charles James was born in Southampton in 1863, and served during the Great War in the armed merchant cruiser H.M.S. Almanzora on the central and north Atlantic run. Refurbished post-War, she resumed her service as a passenger liner on the Southampton-River Plate route, in which capacity James remained employed until coming ashore in 1928, aged 65 years. He died in Southampton in 1942.