Ulster Tower Research

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17/1280 PTE JAMES E. SMITH - IRISH & ULSTER RIFLES - BELFASTMAN - WOUNDED THREE TIMES
Superb, Ulster Division, WW1 and Long Service group to 17/1280, PTE. J. E. SMITH, R: IR: RIF; who was wounded in action on 1st July 1916 and again in 1918 with the 10th (Service) Battalion (South Belfast Volunteers) and who qualified for the LSGC for continued service with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles.
James Edward Smith was born on the 23rd April 1896, the son of Edward and Eva Smith. The Census of Ireland in 1911 show the family living at 28 Severn Street, off Dee Street in East Belfast. At this time, James was recorded as being 15 years of age and in employment as a ‘Bobbin Boy’ in the ‘Rope Works’ (most likely the Sirocco Rope Works at Bridge End in Belfast.
His father, Edward, was aged 40 years of age and employed as a ‘Labourer’. Eva was aged 36 years and also in the home were James’ younger sister, Margaret May Smith, aged 12 years and a ‘Scholar’; and three younger brothers: William, aged 11 years; Joseph Robert Smith, aged 9 years who were both ‘Scholars’; and Walter Smith, aged 2 years and six months.
James enlisted to the Army on 15th July 1915, and was posted to 17th (Reserve) Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles, which was training at Ballykinlar Camp near Newcastle, County Down.
He was subsequently posted to the strength of the 10th (Service) Battalion (South Belfast Volunteers), Royal Irish Rifles and landed at France on 20th December 1915 to join the Ulster Division as they entered the line for the first time.
The Admissions and Discharge Book for the British Expeditionary Force’s No.2 General Hospital records that ‘1280 Pte. J. Smith, 10th Royal Irish Rifles’ suffered a gunshot wound to his right arm on First Day of the Battle of the Somme. He was admitted to hospital via Divisional Field Ambulance and the Casualty Clearing Station’ and subsequently evacuated back to the United Kingdom on 4th July 1916 aboard the HMHS Asturias. At the time of his first wounding, James was aged 20 years.
He made a full recovery and subsequently returned to the 10th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles.
James continued to serve until sometime in 1918, when he sustained gunshot wounds to his left leg and thigh.
As a result of these injuries, James was Discharged as a result of ‘Wounds’ under King’s Regulations para 392 (XVI) on 23rd February 1919. At this time he had been ‘Struck off Strength’ (SoS) from the Irish Rifles and had been ‘Taken on Strength’ (ToS) of the 5th (Reserve) Battalion of the King’s Royal Rifles Corps. This was an administrative posting during treatment and recuperation, with this Battalion being stationed on Sheerness. During his time on strength, James was given the service number 53967. He appears on the Silver War Badge List for the KRRC as having been awarded the SWB number B146910.
James’ Pension papers record the wounds as being ‘attributed’ to his service and that his intended place of residence remained as 27 Severn Street, Belfast.
Despite having been shot three times and Discharged from the Army, James must have reenlisted as his Medal Index Card shows further service with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles as 26193, Pte James Edward Smith.
In 1922, with reformation, the Royal Irish Rifles became the Royal Ulster Rifles and James continued to serve as 7007621, Rfmn. James Edward Smith. He was subsequently awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal to add to the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory Medals that were awarded for his service with the 36th (Ulster) Division.
1914-15 Star is correctly impressed with the Battalion prefix, ‘17-1280 PTE. J. E. SMITH. R. IR. RIF.’. The British War and Victory Medals are correctly impressed to ‘1280 PTE. J. E. SMITH. R. IR. RIF.’ and his George V LSGC with clasp for the Regular Army is correctly impressed ‘7007621 RFMN. J. E. SMITH. R.U. RIF.’.
Medals are in GVF condition with minor contact wear from swing mounting for wear on the original, silk ribbons.

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Nice, original wartime period, 'Ulster Home Guard' ‘mufti’ lapel badge.
Silver-plated, Crowned oval badge bearing the title letters 'U.H.G' on a field of green enamel, the reverse impressed with official issue number '31697'.
Good condition, complete with original buttonhole fitting, no chips to the enamel, some surface scratches and light service wear to silvered finish.
26mm in overall height.
Postage available.

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LIEUT JAMES EDMUND MCERVEL - 10TH (SERVICE) BATTALION (SOUTH BELFAST VOLUNTEERS), ROYAL IRISH RIFLES
Exceptional, original, Officer’s Khaki Drill uniform, attributed to Lieutenant James Edmund McErvel, Machine Gun Corps, late 10th (Service) Battalion (South Belfast Volunteers) Royal Irish Rifles, who was wounded 1916 and taken Prisoner of War in 1917.
James Edmund McErvel was born on 1st June 1885, the son of James McErvel, a ‘Seed Merchant’ and Margaret Bennett McErvel, who in 1901, resided at 18 Victoria Street, Holywood, County Down.
The London Gazette, published 13th July 1915, records ‘Ulster Division. The Royal Irish Rifles: 10th Battalion (South Belfast) - The undermentioned to be temporary Second Lieutenants:- James Edmund McErvel. Dated 23rd May, 1915.’
On the 14th July 1915, the Birmingham Post published Officer promotions for the 36th (Ulster) Division. It was reported that ‘10th Bn.(S. Belfast) R. Ir. Rif. - The undermentioned to be temporary second lieutenants: J. E. McErvel (May 23)’.
The Times of London also published on the 14th July 1915, promotions within the Ulster Division. Again, it was reported ‘10th R. Ir. Rif. - To be tempy. Sec. Lts:- J.E. McErvel (May 23)’.
James Edmund McErvel is reported in the Daily Telegraph, published Friday, 16th June 1916, as having been Commissioned to the rank of Lieutenant with Royal Irish Rifles, effective from 1st January 1916.
James was subsequently attached to 107th Brigade Machine Gun Company, 36th (Ulster Division), which was formed in France in January 1916.
On the 15th June 1916, the London Gazette reported ‘R. Ir. Rif:- J. E. McErvel. 1st Jan. 1916.’ was to be attached to Divisional ‘M.G. Coy.’
In 1916, ‘J. McErvel’ appears in the Casualty List, published by the War Office, as having been ‘wounded’ on 19th June 1916. It was recorded that he resided ‘Cultra, County Down’.
On the 22nd December 1916, The Daily Telegraph published the promotion of ‘2nd Lt. J. E. McErvel’ to the rank of Lieutenant with the ‘Machine Gun Corps (Infantry)’.
Following the Somme, James was attached to the strength of 37th Brigade’s Machine Gun Company. The London Gazette, published 21st September 1916 recorded ‘Regular Forces. Machine Gun Corps (Infantry). The undermentioned to be temp Lts. 1st Dec. 1916:- Temp. 2nd Lt. J. E. McErvel.’ The 37th Company had been formed on 4th February 1916 from Machine Gun Sections of the 6th Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regimen; the 6th East Kent Regiment; the 7th East Surrey’s; and 6th Royal West Kent Regiments.
Lieutenant J. E. McErvel appears on the List of British Officers taken Prisoner of War as having been listed as ‘Missing’ on 30th November 1917. On the 29th December 1917 he was recorded as ‘Prisoner of War’ in the War Office Daily List 5452, where he was identified as ‘Royal Irish Rifles, attached Machine Gun Corps’.
The ‘War Office Weekly Casualty List’ numbered 5449 for 22nd December 1917 (published Tuesday 1st January 1918) lists ‘McErvel, Lt. J. E., R. Ir. Rif., attd. M.G.C.’ as ‘Missing’.
The Birmingham Post, published on 1st January 1918, also recorded James as missing, the list stating ‘Missing: McErvel, Lt., J. E., R. Ir. Rif., attd. M.G.C.’.
On 12th January 1918, the Western Morning News in Plymouth reported that ‘McErvel, Lt. J. E.’ who was ‘Previously reported missing, (was) now reported prisoner of war in German hands’.
The Times of London also recorded on this date, ‘Prisoners in German Hands. Previously reptd. Missing, now reptd. Prisoners in German hands: McErvel, Lt. J. E., R. Ir. Rif., att. M.G.C.’.
On 28th January 1918, James was recorded on the Red Cross Register Entries on the Index of Prisoner of War Camps as being held in Heidelberg. It is noted that he had been captured at Lateau. James is recorded as being on strength of G Company, 37th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps.
Having fought at the Somme with Ulster Division; the First and Third Battles of the Scarpe, the Battle of Arleux, the attack on The Devil’s Trench, the Tank Attack at Cambrai, and the Capture of the Bourlon Army; James was taken Prisoner of War on the 30th November 1917 during the German Counter-Attacks at Cambrai.
The records held by the International Committee for the Red Cross show that Lieut. James McErnel (sic) of 37 M.G.C. was taken POW at Lateau Wood and imprisoned at Le Cateau, on 30th November 1917. This list, dated 14th December 1917, records James as having been born in 1885 and that his home address was ‘Cultra, Co. Down, Irl.’.
A subsequent ICRC list of POWs, records ‘Lt. James E. Mc.Ervel (sic), 37 M.G. Coy.’, as having been captured at Lateau Wood on 30th November 1917, but now being held POW at Karlsrhue in western Germany. His date and place of birth is confirmed as 1st June 1885 at County Down. His address is again recorded as ‘Cultra, County Down, Ireland’.
The final ICRC list shows ‘Ltn. James Mac Erwel (sic), M.G.C., as having been captured on 30th November 1917, but this time records ‘Sartre Wood’ as the place of capture. By now, he is a prisoner at Heidelberg and his address is recorded as ‘Temora, Cultra, County Down, North of Ireland’.
A repatriation list, held by ICRC with the reference ‘No. O.P. 11111’ records ‘The following Officers arrived Rotterdam to-day 28th November 1918, probably sail tomorrow:- Lieutenant. J. E. McEwel (sic), Mach. Gun Corps, 37th Co.’.
The Birmingham Post, published on 7th December 1918, reported that ‘The following officers, who were prisoners of war in Germany, have been released:- McErvel, Lt., J. E., M.G.C.’.
On the same date, The Times of London published ‘Officers Released from Germany - The following officers, who were prisoners in Germany, have now been released:- McErvel, Lt., J. E. , M.G.C.’.
He was subsequently recorded as repatriated on 3rd December 1918.
His Pension Card records his home address as ‘Temora’, Cultra, County Down. This was also the address that was recorded on Probate on the death of his father on 27th March 1928.
James’ Medal Index Card shows him as a Lieutenant with the 37th M.G.C. on the List of ‘Exonerated Officers’, reflecting his POW status.
The London Gazette of 6th October 1921 reports that James relinquished his Commission on completion of service with the rank of Lieutenant.
James’ service in the Great War is remembered on War Memorial scroll of the First Holywood Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church in the County Down town’s High Street, where he is recorded as having served ‘Royal Irish Rifles’.
On 4th December 1939, James was granted a Wartime Commission to his parent Regiment, serving as a 2nd Lieutenant with the now renamed Royal Ulster Rifles (101577). James remained with the Regiment until at least October 1945.
This uniform came as one and was sourced locally in North Down. It is faintly named in ink on the inside, just below the collar, ‘J. E. McErvel’ - please see photograph. It is feint and only discovered the naming when examined under natural light. I trawled through the British Army List of March 1918, searching for any officer to the Machine Gun Corps with the same initials and surname, before confirming this had belonged to James Edmund McErvel.
This is a KD uniform and I originally had thought it had been used with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, however have learned that Officer’s uniforms were not regulated in the same way as Other Ranks and that KD was often worn by officers during summer months in the Western Front. With this, the tunic must have been worn during the summer of 1916 or 1917, with McErval being captured in November 1917.
The uniform is in overall, exceptional condition and is free from rips, tears or mothing. The tunic shows light service wear with the only obvious staining to the lining of the arms, and is not visible when displayed. I had considered cleaning, however I didn’t want to risk fading the ink of the naming any further.
All tunic buttons are held by split rings. Rank pips are secured by split pins and the collar badges are bronze, with one loop missing. One, large button missing but easily replaced.
Original, WW1 Officer’s breeches in Khaki Drill are in superb condition and retain all original buttons. Free from tears, mothing and staining with only minimal signs of wear.
A fantastic piece of Ulster Division history.
International shipping available.

FOR SALE - £24-00
DVR WILLIAM GILBERT SMITH - 58TH BRIGADE, ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY - WOUNDED
Original, Great War Victory Medal, correctly impressed naming to 93353 DVR. W. G. SMITH, R.F.A.
William Gilbert Smith was born at Fort William in Inverness, and enlisted at Glasgow on 27th August 1914. Upon enlistment, his age was given as 22 years and 105 days. He was recorded as being a Painter under apprenticeship but ‘not indentured’.
He was attested at No.6 Depot, Royal Field Artillery at Glasgow.
William’s Description on Enlistment records that he was 5 feet 4 and a half inches in height with a weight of 110 pounds. His chest measured 34 and a half inches with a range of 2 inches. He had a fresh complexion, hazel eyes and auburn hair. He had no distinguishable marks or scars and his religion was recorded as ‘Presbyterian’.
His wife was recorded as ‘Mary Hannah O’Brien’, a spinster, and his Next of Kin was given as his father, Crawford Smith, of 7 Argyle Street, Oban.
He was declared ‘fit for service’ at Glasgow on 27th August 1914 and approved and posted to 45th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery on the same date.
On 14th September 1914, William was posted to B Battery, 58th Brigade and on 7th February 1915, was posted to Brigade Headquarters.
On the 25th May 1915, William was charged by Cpl Steele for ‘overstaying leave from 5.30am to 9am’ on the same date. He was found guilty and confined to barracks and forfeited 1 day’s pay.
William embarked for the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force from Devonport on 1st July 1915, disembarking Alexandria on 14th July 1915.
He re-embarked Alexandria on 28th July 1915 for the Gallipoli Peninsula.
On 26th September 1915, William was admitted to hospital at Gallipoli, suffering dysentery but was discharged to duty, two days later.
On 5th February 1916, William was posted to Brigade H.Q. at Alexandria and on 2nd June 1916 he embarked from the port for Marseille, arriving in France on 3rd July 1916.
When in Marseilles, William was awarded four days of Field Punishment No.2 whilst in the field for ‘irregular conduct’ on 13th November 1916.
On the 8th October 1917, William’s fiancée, Katie Ripper, wrote from her home at 27 Drayton Street, West Ealing, to the Royal Artillery Records office at Woolwich. She enquired, ‘Dear Sirs, I heard on Sept. 29th that my fiancé Driver W. Smith, No. 93353 of B Battery, 58th Brigade, R.F.A. was wounded and in C.C.S. No.63. I have received no news and should be so much obliged if you could let me know what hospital he is now in. He had no relations so would you please make a note of my name and address so I could receive need of him at any other time’.
On 18th April 1918, William was posted to Base Detail and on 22nd September 1918 he was transferred to the Labour Corps ‘for the benefit of the Service’, where he retained his present rate of pay’. His service number for the Labour Corps is recorded as 572122 and he served with 375 P.O.W. Company at Nottingham.
On 23rd January 1919, William completed his ‘Statement as to Disability’, giving his intended, permanent address as 25 Garton Lane, Leeds.
William’s ‘Certificate of Identification’ was issued at No.1 Dispersal Unit, Kinross on 1st February 1919 and this gives his intended residence as 25 Carlton Terrace, Leeds.
William was Demobilised and transferred to Class Z of the Army Reserve at Nottingham on 1st March 1919.
Medal is in NEF condition, is free from ek’s and retains some of the original gilding. Replacement, full length ribbon.
Postage available.
LWF 🌺

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L/CPL ROBERT J. GARLAND - COMPANY SERGEANT MAJOR, ROYAL HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT
Superb, double clasp General Service Medal (1962) with original, early United Nations Medal for Cyprus, to a Boy Soldier, later Company Sergeant Major with the Royal Hampshire Regiment.
Robert Garland enlisted as a Boy Soldier to the Royal Hampshire Regiment and served over 30 years as a ‘Tiger’ in Germany, Hong Kong, Borneo, Cyprus, Zimbabwe and with multiple tours under OP BANNER in Northern Ireland between 1969 and 1987.
This scarce pair comprises 1962 General Service Medal with clasps ‘Borneo’ and ‘Northern Ireland’, correctly impressed naming to 23717174 L/CPL R. J. GARLAND R. HAMPS. R. and nice, early original United Nations Peacekeeping Force medal for service with UNFICYP in 1968.
Both medals are original and are toned, having been stored in tissue. Northern Ireland clasp attached by a rod.
Professionally Court mounted, the full size medals are accompanied by an identical set of swing mounted, dress miniatures. Medals are in NEF condition.
Family state that Robert ‘Bob’ James Garland rose through the ranks but was passed over for promotion to WO1 due to friction with his CO. Bob earned the nickname ‘Brutus’ and as well as service in Borneo, Cyprus and Ulster, he served at least two tours in Zimbabwe and received the Zimbabwe Independence Medal (not included) but this was never authorised for wear. He would also have been eligible for the Pingat Jasa Medal for his time in Borneo.
A lovely, multi-operational pair to the CSM of a distinguished regiment that is worthy of further research. Photograph of Bob in Cyprus shows him with a bugle as a Cpl and appears to show parachute wings on his right arm. Family state that he ‘did keep things quiet/secret and spent a lot of time in Zimbabwe’. Also notable that even with 3 years of ‘Service for the Queen’, he didn’t qualify for his Army LSGC!
Definitely more to be added to this story!
Postage available.

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CPL ROBERT STANLEY KIRBY - K.O.Y.L.I.
General Service Medal, 1918, clasp Cyprus, correctly impressed naming to 23131158 L CPL R S KIRBY KOYLI.
Robert Stanley Kirby enlisted between June and October 1955 and served with 1st Battalion, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in Cyprus during the conflict with EOKA from 1956. Kirby was from Hull, East Yorkshire. Straight from family and unresearched.
Medal is in NEF condition the toning and appears to be on the original ribbon, which is sewn at the top.
Postage available.

FOR SALE - £695-00
Rare, full-sized, United Arab Emirates Medal of Good and Faithful Service with the Trucial Oman Scouts (TOS) or Abu Dhabi Defence Force (ADDF).
It is known that approximately 500 of this medal were manufactured by Spink and Son Ltd in London in 1970.
Bronze medals were produced for Other Ranks while Officer’s versions were gilded, although it is not known if these were ever awarded to eligible recipients.
The obverse is similar to the reverse of the TOS medal and reads, “عمان ساحل ”(Coast of Oman). The reverse reads “ الولاء ” (Loyalty) although the artwork reads “Devotion”.
This medal referred to by a “Committee to Consider Awards” proposal of circa 1970 as, “The Good Service in The Arabian Gulf Medal” was to be awarded, “to Arabs of any rank serving in the Trucial Oman Scouts and the Abu Dhabi Defence Force. British seconded and contract Officers are also eligible”. Qualification for this medal was to be, “8 years in either the TOS or the ADDF or an accumulation of 8 years in both forces”. Bars for a further 8 or 16 years’ service were to be issued inscribed, “For 16 (or 24) Years Service”.
Medal is in GVF condition - no edge knocks or scratches. Suspender is tight but seems to be very slightly knocked at one end (please see pictures). Original ribbon and pin bar, marked ‘Spink & Son Ltd. 3 King Street S.W.1’, however pin itself has broken off.
A rare example and a lovely addition to any collection.
*Research courtesy of Owain, OMRS Member who exhibited his example at the 2013 Convention.

FOR SALE - £35-00
PETTY OFFICER PERCY HIGGINS - ANSON BATTALION - 63RD (ROYAL NAVAL) DIVISION
Original Great War Victory Medal, correctly impressed naming to 169099 P. HIGGINS. P.O. R.N.
Percy Higgins was born at Poplar, London on 19th February 1876 and enlisted to the Royal Navy at Chatham on 19th February 1894 on his 18th birthday.
He enlisted for 12 years and his occupation was given as ‘Tinworker’.
He was described as being 5 feet 5 inches in height with brown hair, blue eyes and a fair complexion. He had a scar on his left wrist and a tattoo of a heart on his right arm.
Over his first 12 years of service, Percy rose through the ranks to the rate of Leading Seaman, serving afloat and ashore with Impregnable, Ganges, Pembroke, Repulse, Campion, Wildfire, Endymion and Empress of India.
In 1906, he re-enrolled for a further 5 years and in 1911 extended for a further 5 years.
On 17th September 1914, following the outbreak of War, Percy’s record shows that he was posted to Anson Battle of the Royal Naval Division and promoted to Petty Officer, effective from 5th September 1914.
Anson Battalion served with the 63rd (Naval) Division and fought with distinction throughout WWI, fighting at Gallipoli in 1915 and on the Western Front, with notable engagements in the Battle of the Ancre in 1916 and the Battle of Cambrai in 1918, before being disbanded in 1919.
On 5th December 1916, Percy was awarded the Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (RN LSGC), and records show that at this time he was ‘Anson Battalion, RND, Eastern Mediterranean’.
This little medal is worthy of further research.
Percy was finally discharged on 5th August 1919 with a War Gratuity, following 25 years of service.
Medal is in GVF condition and retains short length of original, silk ribbon.
Postage available.

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LT RONALD EDWARD DUBBER - BATTLE OF BRITAIN PILOT, RNAS
Superb, attributed, WW2 group to a Naval pilot who served under RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain; was shot down during the attack on the Tirpitz; was a Prisoner of War at Stalag Luft III; and who perished in a flying accident in 1951.
Ronald Edward Dubber was born in Portsmouth on 2nd October 1917, the son of Albert Edward Dubber (1889-1981) and Dorothy Ellen Beatrice Dubber (nee Neal 1893-1987).
He joined the Fleet Air Arm in 1939. He did his elementary flying training at 24 EFTS Sydenham, Northern Ireland, with the rank of Leading Airman.
Ronald did his intermediate and advanced training at No. 1 FTS Leuchars on No. 6 Course, which ran from 6th November 1939 to 21st April 1940. Dubber joined 808 Squadron when it was formed at Worthy Down on 1st July 1940. It moved north to Castletown on 8th September where it came under Fighter Command, flying Fulmars on dockyard defence.
808 squadron returned to Admiralty control on 2nd October and was moved to Donibristle. Dubber embarked with the squadron in HMS Ark Royal on 22nd October 1940 and took part in actions in the Mediterranean and Atlantic, including operations Azores, Malta, OPERATION EXCESS in the Western Desert between
8-12 May 1941 and combat operations against Luftwaffe and Italian Air Force.
Between the 26-27 May 1941, aircraft from HMS Ark Royal launched torpedo attacks, supporting the sinking of the Bismark. The Ark Royal subsequently returned to Force H in the Mediterranean.
On 30th June 1941 Ark Royal prepared to fly off twenty six Hurricanes to Malta with HMS Furious flying off a further eight.
One of the aircraft crashed into the bridge structure and started a fire on the flight deck. Two officers and one rating were killed. One other officer and two ratings died of injuries later that day. Two officers and four ratings later died from their injuries. Ten ratings were seriously injured. This accident prevented the last six aircraft from being flown off. On 3rd July 1941, a telegram was sent to Ronald’s mother in Scotland, reporting him as having suffered ‘serious ill with severe burns’, however by 13th July he was recorded as 'improving'.
Ronald made a rapid recovery and was Commissioned in January 1943. On 17th July 1944 Dubber was back in service with 1841 Squadron FAA aboard HMS Formidable.
On this date, Ronald launched on OPERATION MASCOT, piloting Corsair JT450 as part of the formation to attack the Tirpitz at Kaafjord, Norway. His aircraft was hit by flak and Ronald bailed out, making him eligible for admission to the Caterpillar Club and the Goldfish Club. His aircraft ditched in the sea near Oeksfjord, with Ronald also landing in the sea. He swam ashore and captured.
Ronald was imprisoned and the famous Stalag Luft 3 (The Great Escape) and given the POW number 6942.
He remained Prisoner of War until cessation of hostilities and repatriation.
Ronald returned to operational flying and by 10th September 1951 he was serving with 807 Squadron aboard the carrier HMS Ocean in the Mediterranean, on ‘work up’ for Korea. On landing his Sea Fury FB11 WF614, the starboard undercarriage leg collapsed and the aircraft skidded across the deck, went over the side and sank.
Leading Pilot’s Mate, Norman Fisher, RN, also died aboard HMS Ocean on that same day.
Ronald’s body was never recovered.

In 1939, Ronald’s father, Albert Edward Dubber, was serving in the Royal Navy as 271731, Ship’s Engine Room Artificer, residing Portsmouth. He is recorded as HMS Victory 1939-41. On 2nd May 1941, posted HMS Cochrane, Rosythe, Fife. His record shows that he was born Landport, Portsmouth, Hampshire on 23rd January 1889. He had joined the RN from ‘School’ on 23rd January 1907, and was confirmed on the roll for the Battle of Jutland as serving aboard the HMS Prince of Wales as an Engine Room Artificer, 2nd Class. The 1921 Census confirms Albert as Ronald’s father and serving in the RN as an Engine Room Artificer and Ronald’s mother as Dorothy Beatrice Dubber. Also recorded was Ronald’s sister, Winifred Beatrice Dubber. At this time, the family was residing at 22 Epworth Road, North End, Portsmouth.
The 1939 Census shows Albert living at 210 Highbury Grove, Portsmouth, and serving as a Chief Engine Room Artificer. Albert was finally discharged from the Royal Navy on 28th August 1945.
Albert’s pension record shows that in October 1946, his War Gratuity was being paid through the Royal Navy Artificer Training Establishment (RNATE), HMS Rosythe, Scotland. Albert moved back to the south coast in 1947 and died at Haywards Heath in West Sussex in April 1981.
On 3rd July 1942, Ronald was reported as having suffered burns, he requested his mother be telegrammed to her home at 34 Victoria Terrace, Fife and this was also the address given when he was taken POW on 17th July 1944, showing his next of kin as resident in Scotland between 1941 and late 1946.
Albert’s older brother - George Dubber, Ronald’s Uncle - was residing at 86 Ardgay Road, Glasgow, from at least 1949 until 1952. George Dubber was born in 1894, and also served with the Royal Navy as an Engine Room Artificer, Service Number K18691. He was finally discharged to the Reserve on 10th October 1946.
As Ronald was still serving and his parents were relocating after Albert’s discharge, it is believed the 1939-45 Star, Battle of Britain clasp and rosette were sent by the Air Ministry to his Uncle in Glasgow.
Ronald is recorded as having married Angela Elizabeth Losh in Poole in July 1946.
Following Ronald’s tragic death in 1951, Probate records show that his estate was being managed in London. His home address was given as 4 Winifred Road on Poole and the sole beneficiary of the estate, worth £1373 9s 11d was his wife, Angela Elizabeth Dubber.
In July 1956, Elizabeth remarried to Kenneth Clifford Byerley at Portsmouth. Elizabeth died 8th July 2017.

Full size group (missing BoB clasp - Caterpillar Club insignia was sold at C&T Auction - Lot 127 - 8th February 2025):
1939-45 Star (silver rosette)
Atlantic Star
Africa Star with clasp ‘North Africa 1942-43’
Defence Medal
War Medal
Medals contained within the original Air Ministry postage box, addressed to Ronald’s Uncle, George Dubber, of 86 Ardgay Road, Glasgow and includes original transmittal slip from the Council. Also, remnants of a second postage box with contemporary length of silk ribbon for the Atlantic Star and a small, enamel on brass pin badge for the Fleet Air Arm.

High quality, miniature group (full entitlement), mounted for wear:
1939-45 Star with clasp ‘Battle of Britain’ - Criteria for the 1939-45 Star for Aircrew of the Fleet Air Arm was aligned to that of RAF Aircrew - Two months (60 days) operational service in a fully operational unit. Ronald entered Operational Service with 808 NAS on 1st July 1940, coming under RAF Fighter Command at Castletown on 8th September 1940. The qualifying period for the award of the ‘Battle of Britain’ to members of the crews of fighter aircraft who took part in the Battle of Britain between 10th July and 31st October 1940. Ronald was operational with 808 NAS from 10th July until embarkation for the Mediterranean on 31st October 1940, qualifying for the ‘Battle of Britain’ clasp.
Atlantic Star - The Atlantic Star was awarded to Fleet Air Arm Aircrew who had taken part in operations against the enemy at sea within the qualifying areas, subject to having served for two months in an operational unit. The 1939–1945 Star must have already been earned by two months for air crew, before commencing qualifying service for the Atlantic Star. Ronald’s qualifying period began on 31st October 1940, having already qualified for the 1939-45 Star and having embarked on this date aboard HMS Ark Royal. From 7th December 1940, HMS Ark Royal operated from Gibraltar on operations in the North Atlantic and around the Azores.
Africa Star with clasp ‘North Africa 1942-43’ - Eligiblity for this Star was any length of service from 10th June 1940 until 12th May 1943. 1942-43 Clasp eligibility for service with the Navy between 23rd October 1942 and 12th May 1943. From 7th December 1940, HMS Ark Royal operated from Gibraltar on operations in the Mediterranean, including convoy support to and from Malta, operations with Force H, OPERATION PICKET by aircrews against the dam at Lake Omodeo in Sardinia and combat and Fall of Shot air operations.
Defence Medal - Over 3 years service in areas under threat of air attack. Ronald was operational from June 1940 until his capture in July 1944.
War Medal - Awarded to all full-time personnel of the Armed Forces, wherever their service during the War was rendered.

These are, as found. No embellishment and nothing altered or added. With only a handful of FAA pilots - and even fewer with Non-Commissioned ranks - qualifying for the BoB clasp, this is a rare opportunity. If I’d the time and the money, I’d try to reunite this group with Ronald’s Caterpillar Club badge and source an original clasp for the Battle of Britain.

With copy of research and confirmation from the Assistant Curator of the Fleet Air Arm Museum that the Battle of Britain clasp would have been awarded to eligible Naval aviators by the Air Ministry, not the Admiralty.