WW1 HMS Defence , Battle of Jutland 1916 Casualty Group

A photographs & paperwork grouping to a Gunner of the Royal Marine Artillery who was KIA on 31/5/1916 aboard the HMS Defence during the Battle of Jutland .

Grouping comprises a memorial scroll commemorating ' Gunner David John Price Davies R.M.A H.M.S Defence ' with three period black & white photos two of him & one of several sailors in a studio group shot with the names on the back of ' A.Smith, G Richards, R Nicholls & D Millard. '

There is also an October 1921 dated letter from the Admiralty forwarding to his next of kin his medal entitlement of 1914/15 Star, British War Medal & Victory medal. The medals are sadly no longer present.

An extract of a report about the last moments of the HMS Defence :- Both the Defence and Warrior had already hit the doomed Wiesbaden. Still Admiral Arbuthnot, in spite of straddling salvoes, held on till within 5,500 yards of his prey he turned to starboard. Both ships were now in a hurricane of fire, which the Germans were concentrating with terrible effect to save their burning ship, and there quickly followed another of the series of appalling catastrophes which so tragically distinguish this battle from all others. Four minutes after crossing the Lion's bows the Defence was hit by two heavy salvoes in quick succession, and the Admiral and his flagship disappeared in a roar of flame (6.20).

Code: 10965