K.16550 W.H.McLAREN STO.1 R.N.
William Henry McLaren
Born Bermondsey, London 9/5/1893
Joined the Royal Navy 12/10/12
He served on HMS Owl, an Acasta-class destroyer from 4/2/14 & was present at the Battle of Jutland 31/5/16
Then served on HMS Patriot, a kite balloon equipped Thornycroft M-class destroyer from 18/7/16 until 28/1/19
Note: On 12/7/17 whilst sweeping for German submarines, HMS Patriot's balloon spotted a U-Boat on the surface and HMS Patriot opened fire on it The U-Boat crash dived & then Patriot's balloon directed a depth charge attack against the sub, which resulted in an underwater explosion & oil slick. Although the fate of German submarine U-69 is officially unknown, British records credit HMS Patriot with sinking it in this action 12/7/17
For more details about HMS Patriot - Click here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Patriot_(1916)
For more details about German Submarine U-69 - Click here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SM_U-69
Discharged 19/3/20 & was paid a War Gratuity
With 1 page of RN Service Papers
Condition: Minor edge knocks, VF
