A "MINT STATE' EDWARD VII AFRICA GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL (SOMALILAND 1908-10) To: SS.1989. WILLIE TATE, HMS PHILOMEL.An interesting Doncaster man got into a bit of bother at Portsmouth during WW1.

A 'MINT FRESH'

EDWARD VII

AFRICA GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL

( SOMALILAND. 1908-10 )

To:

SS.1989. WILLIE TATE.

HMS PHILOMEL.

An interesting man who deserted at Portsmouth in 1915.

Willie Tate was born on 31st May 1889 in Doncaster, Yorkshire and prior to enlisting in the Royal Navy at Portsmouth on 23rd July 1907 ( for 5 to 7 years )at age 18 was a painter. Transferred into the RFR as B.5432 on 21st July 1912

Things look to have gone well for Willie until 28th February 1915 while serving at HMS VICTORY at Portsmouth from were he is shown as "RUN" . He clearly returned, as on 11th March he is seen receiving 60 days detention.

This was followed by 10 days in the cells on 31.12.1915 ( clearly drunk as it was New Year's Eve ) ...and a further 14 days in the cells on New Year's Eve 1917 !!!

Appears that he was demobbed on 31st December 1918 ( presumably he got drunk again !!!)

THIS IS HIS ONLY ENTITLEMENT

£225

A "MINT STATE' EDWARD VII AFRICA GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL (SOMALILAND 1908-10) To: SS.1989. WILLIE TATE, HMS PHILOMEL.An interesting Doncaster man got into a bit of bother at Portsmouth during WW1.

A "MINT STATE' EDWARD VII AFRICA GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL (SOMALILAND 1908-10) To: SS.1989. WILLIE TATE, HMS PHILOMEL.An interesting Doncaster man got into a bit of bother at Portsmouth during WW1. £Sold

A "MINT STATE' EDWARD VII AFRICA GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL (SOMALILAND 1908-10) To: SS.1989. WILLIE TATE, HMS PHILOMEL.An interesting Doncaster man got into a bit of bother at Portsmouth during WW1.
£Sold