Description
World War I, a Merchant Navy Captain's Lloyd's Medal for Meritorious Service, 3rd type, silver, awarded 1917 (John Henry Case, S.S. "Dunedin", 23rd December 1917), in case of issue. Two edge nicks otherwise extremely fine.
A rare award, with only 280 issued during the War. Sold with a photograph, c. 1917, of Captain Case with his son Maurice John Case (see following lot), in his midshipman's uniform.
The S.S. Dunedin appears in "Lloyd's War Losses" [p. 264], though for the 25th December, 1917. She was hit by a mine in the Mediterranean whilst on voyage from Salonica for Port Said and was towed to Milos. It must be assumed that Case's medal was awarded for his part in saving the ship and crew.
In 1919 the S.S. Dunedin was sold to Ritson's Branch Line and renamed Cherry Branch, then becoming after a second name change, the Zephyros. On the 26th February, 1947, on voyage from Rouen to the Tyne (in ballast) and after a third name change to Hope, she dragged her anchor and was driven ashore near Cullercoats during a gale. Her crew was saved and the ship was partially broken up at the wreck-site.