291243 J.MILSON S.P.O. R.N. (surname spelling as impressed on star)
James Milsom (correct spelling)
Born Bristol 1880
Joined the Royal Navy 1899
During WW1 he served in HMS LENNOX, a Laforey-class destroyer, from 16/7/14 to 1/9/17
Then served in the new Admiralty W-class destroyer, HMS WRYNECK (Pennant D31) from 3/10/18 until 4/6/20
Note: In 1919 HMS Wryneck was part of the Destroyer Squadron stationed at Libau, Latvia helping the Baltic States to resist German & Bolshevik (Red Russian) aggression.
On 4/11/19 the British Squadron came under attack by the Germans HMS Wryneck was ordered to embark 500 Lettish (Latvian) troops from the Libau Garrison and proceed at haste to relieve Windau.
On 6/11/19 the Germans resumed their attack on Windau but came under heavy fire from the Royal Navy's guns.
The Germans then scrambled a plane to bomb the British cruisers & destroyers in Windau harbour but this was driven down by a hail of fire from the Letts.
For the next two days the RN ships fired on those German batteries still shelling Windau port until the German attack stalled in snow and freezing conditions.
Subsequently some of HMS Wryneck's sailors took part in the Royal Navy mutiny of 1919.
Awarded the Naval M.S.M. LG 8/3/20: 'for Services in the Baltic 1919'
Pensioned 4/4/21 and was paid a War Gratuity
With 2 pages of his Royal Navy Service Papers & London Gazette details where he is recorded as 'MILSOM', plus supporting documentation
Condition: On long old silk ribbon, GVF
