*British, WW1, Royal Navy, Medal Group to Chief Stoker Charley Edwards 293026, HMS Collingwood & HMS Woolwich — Battle of Jutland Veteran*
A complete and officially impressed First World War and Long Service medal group of four, awarded to Chief Stoker Charley Edwards, Royal Navy, service number 293026:
1914–15 Star – 293026 C. EDWARDS. CH. STO. R.N.
British War Medal 1914–20 – 293026 C. EDWARDS. CH. STO. R.N.
Victory Medal 1914–19 – 293026 C. EDWARDS. CH. STO. R.N.
Royal Navy Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (GV, H.M.S. Collingwood) – 293026 CHARLEY EDWARDS CH. STO. H.M.S. COLLINGWOOD.
Mounted as worn on period card with original ribbons, accompanied by a photocopy of his official service record showing full postings and conduct notes.
Historical Note:
Chief Stoker Charley Edwards (born 12 October 1879, Plymstock, Devon) entered the Royal Navy in 1899 and served continuously until 1921. A career stoker, he saw service aboard numerous major fleet units including Triumph, Prince of Wales, New Zealand, and Collingwood.
During the Great War he was posted to HMS Collingwood, a St Vincent-class dreadnought of the 1st Battle Squadron, Grand Fleet. At the Battle of Jutland (31 May – 1 June 1916) she engaged German battlecruisers during the main fleet action, firing a series of salvos without damage. Edwards, as a senior engine-room rating, would have been responsible for maintaining the ship’s boiler and turbine efficiency throughout the prolonged action — a vital role in sustaining fleet speed and manoeuvre.
His Long Service & Good Conduct Medal was awarded aboard Collingwood, but his campaign medals (1914–15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal) were later issued from HMS Woolwich, reflecting his final posting. Woolwich, completed in 1913 as a destroyer depot ship, played an indispensable support role to the Grand Fleet, maintaining destroyer flotillas at Scapa Flow and Rosyth.
Edwards remained in service through the immediate post-war years, transferring with Woolwich to the Mediterranean Station before discharge to pension on 29 August 1921 with “Very Good” character.
*Condition*
A well-preserved, completely original and matching-named group. All medals show light age toning and minor handling marks; the naming is crisp and fully legible. Ribbons remain bright, with slight fraying at folds. Long Service Medal displays particularly attractive silver patina. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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