Offered is a WW1 medal trio to Skipper George Walter Thomas Whur, who began his long seafaring career a pre-war sailor, who went to sea at the age of 14. He served in the R.N.R. during WW1 as a Skipper of several minesweepers & again during WW2, when he was awarded an M.B.E. by the King for his role in shooting down a German plane in 1943.
1914-15 Star, impressed named 316W S.A. G WHUR. SKR R.N.R. & British War and Victory Medals, impressed named W.S.A. 316. G.WHUR SKR. R.N.R. Comes with copies service papers, RNR seniority lists, London Gazette & newspaper articles with photograph.
George William Thomas Whur was born on the 23/12/1885 in Gorleston-on-sea, Great Yarmouth. He began his seafaring career at 14. He enlisted in the Royal Naval reserve 31/1/1911. By 1/1/1914 he was promoted to Skipper. He served on the Ocean Prince, a hired trawler, Island Prince, hired trawler, Admiralty No 62. Built 1911, 205grt, North Shields-reg SN.148. Armament: 1-6pdr AA. In service 8.14-1919 as minesweeper & HALCYON, minesweeper, ex-torpedo gunboat, Dryad-class, C.82 (1914), C.76 (1.18). Launched 6.4.94 Devonport DY. 1070 tons, 30x10ft. 20kts. Armament: 2-4.7in, 4-6pdr, 3-18in t. Converted with sweeps 1914/15. Sold 6.11.19 J. H. Lee.
The newspaper articles which are included show that during in 1943 he was involved in the shooting down of a German plane and was presented with the Order of the British Empire (M.B.E. - not included) by the King in 1944. In 1945 he represented the fishermen of Scotland on the kings visit to Edinburgh in 1945, dying the following year.
