War Medals

RMA-10921 HENRY WALTER SHEARING, GUNNER, ROYAL MARINE ARTILLERY, KILLED IN ACTION IN HMS.'INVINCIBLE' AT JUTLAND

1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-19; Victory Medal 1914-19 (RMA. 10921 GR.) : (HENRY WALTER SHEARING - Born 5 April 1884 at Kirby Bedon, Norwich, a horse keeper by trade, enlisted in the Royal Marine Artillery at Portsmouth on 18 July 1904. Appointed Gunner 20 April 1905 and joined HMS. 'Jupiter' from 20 September of that year. Served both on shore with the Artillery and at sea in various ships before joining the Battlecruiser, HMS. 'Invincible' on 3 August 1914, and was still serving in the ship on 31 May 1916, when it went into action with the 3rd.Battle Cruiser Squadron at the Battle of Jutland. At Jutland, 'Invincible' had gone to the aid of HMS.'Chester', one of the scout cruisers which was being pursued by four enemy cruisers and had taken heavy casualties. 'Invincible' opened fire with it's 12 inch guns at a range of 8,000 yards and immediately scored a hit on the last enemy ship in the line pursuing 'Chester', this ship was the SMS.'Wiesbaden', which was turning to run when the massive shell from 'Invincible' burst through the side of the engine room bringing it to a stop. Some time later whilst 'Invincible' was heavily engaged with SMS. 'Lutzow' an enemy shell penetrated 'Q' turret which detonated the midships magazine. The resultant near catastrophic explosion of the magazine blew 'Invincible' apart from which there were only six survivors from the complement of 1026 Officers and men. The recipient was killed, he has no known grave and is commemorated on Portsmouth Naval Memorial.) Sold with verification, copy Service Record, CWGC. information and other related research. Medals mounted on original silk ribbons EF - £595