Description
The Great War, WW2 OBE, Norway Operations Norwegian King Haakon VII Liberty Medal group of 6 awarded to Commander Geoffrey Ernest Lyne Veale, Royal Navy who saved his ship from a floating mine in Malta Harbour in April 1916, comprising OBE, 2nd type, Military, unnamed as issued, 1914-1920 British War and Victory Medals, (Lieut. G.E.L. Veale R.N.), 1939-45 Defence Medal, 1939-45 War Medal, unnamed as issued, King Haakon VII Liberty Medal 1940-1945, unnamed as issued. Very fine.
O.B.E. (Mily) London Gazette 1st January 1945
King Haakon VII Liberty Medal London Gazette 26th August 1947
Geoffrey Ernest Lyne Veale was born on the 10th July 1896, he entered the Royal Navy on the 15th May 1909 as a Midshipman serving aboard H.M.S. Indefatigable he was advanced to Sub Lieutenant aboard H.M.S. Geranium when he was;
“Specially recommended for advancement. It was due to this officer that we blew up a mine 400 yards from entrance to Grand Harbour the day after Russell was sunk.”
[H.M.S. Russell was sunk off Malta on the 27th April 1916 when she struck two mines laid by a German U-Boat, she sank with the loss of 125 lives.]
He was advanced to Lieutenant on the 15th September 1916, Acting Lieutenant 15th November 1917, confirmed Lieutenant on that date, Lieutenant Commander 15th December 1925.
From July 1923 to August 1925 he was lent to the Royal Australian Navy. He was placed on the retired list (age limit) with the rank of Commander 14th December 1932. Recalled to serve in rank of Acting Commander whilst holding present appointment 10th July 1941. Reverted to retired list 24th August 1946.
Sold with extensive copy service papers, copy London Gazette entries and a copy page from “Norwegian War Decorations” showing that Cdr Veale G.E.L. OBE was awarded the Liberation Medal as Captain H.M.S King Arthur.
