*British, WW1, 1914–15 Star Medal, Named to K.17619 Stoker 1st Class Jesse W. Hall, Royal Navy, HMS Lucia*
An original First World War 1914–15 Star awarded to Stoker 1st Class Jesse W. Hall, Royal Navy, correctly impressed to the reverse:
“K.17619
J. W. HALL
STO.1., R.N.”
The medal retains its original ribbon, now well worn and frayed from age, and displays the classic bronze four-pointed star design with crossed swords, crown, and central scroll dated “1914–15.” The reverse naming is clear and matches service records for Jesse W. Hall, Service Number K.17619.
Hall’s entitlement is recorded to HMS Lucia, with his full medal group comprising the 1914–15 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal. His rank is listed as Stoker 1st Class, Royal Navy, serving during the First World War. HMS Lucia served as a depot and support vessel during the conflict, and men serving aboard such ships were often engaged in the demanding engineering and boiler-room duties essential to fleet operations.
Approx. Measurements – Height including suspender: 5.5 cm. Width: 4.4 cm.
History Note::
The 1914–15 Star was awarded to officers and men of British and Imperial forces who served in any theatre of war between 5 August 1914 and 31 December 1915, provided they had not already qualified for the earlier 1914 Star. Royal Navy recipients such as Hall were often engine room and shipboard specialists whose service was vital but less publicly recognised than front-line combat roles. Named Royal Navy stars remain particularly desirable where service details and full entitlement can be traced.
HMS Lucia was originally built as the civilian steam yacht Rion before being taken over for Royal Navy service during the First World War. She served primarily as a depot ship and support vessel rather than a front-line warship, providing essential accommodation, stores, engineering support, and administrative functions for submarines and smaller naval craft.
During WW1, HMS Lucia became particularly associated with submarine flotilla support, especially in the Mediterranean theatre. Depot ships like Lucia acted as floating bases, supplying fuel, food, repairs, spare parts, and living quarters for crews operating far from major naval dockyards. This role was vital for sustaining British submarine operations against Ottoman and Central Powers shipping routes. Men such as Stoker 1st Class Jesse W. Hall would have been responsible for the demanding engine room and boiler work that kept these vessels operational—hard, hot, and physically exhausting service that was essential to maintaining naval effectiveness. Although less glamorous than battleship service, depot ship duty was critical to the wider war effort, particularly in keeping submarine patrols active and supplied.
Because HMS Lucia qualified men for the 1914–15 Star, service aboard her during the qualifying period reflects active overseas wartime service rather than purely home waters duty.
*Condition*
Good original condition overall with attractive untouched patina to the bronze. Naming remains clear and fully legible. Ribbon is original but heavily worn, with fraying, edge losses, and age-related fading consistent with long-term storage and wear. Please see photographs as part of the condition report. A genuine named WW1 Royal Navy 1914–15 Star with fully traceable service attribution to Stoker 1st Class Jesse W. Hall of HMS Lucia.
