Naval General Service Medal.
(Palestine 38-39)
And Stars,
1939-45. Atlantic, Africa, (North Africa,1942-43 Clasp)
Burma,(Pacific Clasp) Defence Medal, War Medal
Long Service Good Conduct
(HMS MAIDSTONE)
"Submarine Depot Ship"
To:
(N.G.S.) JX 130449. H.D.C. HEADLONG. A.B. R.N.
(L.S.G.C.) 130449. H.D.C. HEADLONG L.S. H.M.S. MAIDSTONE
HMS Maidstone was the first British ship to enter Hong Kong harbour at the end of the War to pick up surviving POWs. After leaving Hong Kong she sailed down past the Philippines and stopped at Maccasa to pick up more POWs. She then went on to Freemantle in Australia where Ron remembers they were given a tremendous welcome. Most of those on board were Navy POW survivors from HMS Exeter but Army and RAF prisoners were also on board including Ron Leamon. After leaving Freemantle she went on to Sydney and then headed for home.
The following photographs were taken on the day HMS Maidstone arrived at Freemantle.
A super Long Service group to a man who, looking at his JX service number, joined the RN post October 1925 ......and served probably as a telegraphist. HMS MAIDSTONE certainly got around and this sailor has entitlement to almost every star and clasp issued to the Navy .
VERY UNUSUAL, NONE OF THE MEDALS HAS EVER BEEN WORN AND ARE
ALL OFF THE RIBBONS IN GEM MINT STATE !
A GREAT RESEARCH PROJECT AS THIS SHIP GOT EVERYWHERE DURING WW2
£695