Naval General Service Medal 1915-1962. GV issue with clasp 'Persian Gulf 1909-1914' (CH. 15653. Bugler H. French R.M.L.I. H.M.S. Hyacinth.)

Killed-in-Action 1914: Bugler Harry French is confirmed 'Killed-in-Action', while serving aboard H.M.S. Pathfinder that was destroyed and sunk by U-Boat action on, 5 September 1914

Medal(s) verification: The NGS medal and clasp - and the other medals the recipient qualified for - are all confirmed per below cited sources:

- AGS 1902 with clasp 'Somaliland 1908-10': Reference ADM 171/156 (H.M.S. Hyacinth)
- NGS Medal with clasp: Reference ADM 171/162 (Medal issued to brother 28 January 1920)
- 1914-15 Star: Reference ADM 171/168
- British War Medal. Silver issue: Reference ADM 171/168
- Interallied Victory Medal: Reference ADM 171/168

HMS Pathfinder: Was a British Scout Crusier and the lead ship of her class. Pathfinder had the distinction of being the first ever warship in the annals of recorded naval history, to be sunk by a self-propelled torpedo fired from submarine. tion. Pathfinder torpedoed and sunk on 5 September 1914 by the German U-boat, the SM U-21. Pathfinder was sunk off St. Abbs Head, Berwickshire, Scotland. The German submarine U-21, was commanded by Kapitänleutnant Otto Hersing. Pathfinder as struck in a magazine, which exploded, causing the ship to sink within minutes with the loss of 259 men, including Private Harry French

Harry French, son of Joseph Cephas French (a 'Barge Waterman') and Ada Madeline French (nee Adkins) was a native of New Brompton, Gillingham. Kent, England, where he was born on, 8 September 1893. Harry joined the Chatham Division of the Royal Marine Light Infantry, for the trade of 'Drummer' on, 14 October 1907, at which time he was just 4 feet and 9 inches of height, and teenager of 14 years of age. In due course he was appointed Bugler, and saw extensive overseas active service in both Somaliland and the Persian Gulf Chatham Division R.M.L.I.

A choice condition early Naval 1914 casualty - and for the historic sinking of the first ever warship lost to submarine torpedo action

The medal retaining its original long length of silk riband, as issued to with the medal

Condition: EF

Code: 22777