Lot 4629

Description

Pair: Polar Medal in bronze (GVR crowned bust), - clasp - Antarctic 1930-31; Royal Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (GVIR Ind:Imp). 16198 P.O.S E.C.Blake. R.A.N. on first medal, 16198 P.O. ST?? E.C.Blake R.A.N. on second medal. First medal engraved, second medal impressed. Very fine - good very fine.

Edward Clarence Blake, born 26Oct1910 at Blenheim, Qld; Enl.31Jan1925 for 12 years in RAN; Home Port, Sydney; Re-enl.30Jan1937 for 5 years; served as PO Steward; qualified for LS&GC Medal 30Jan1940.

In British Polar Exploration and Research by Lt Col Neville W. Poulsom and Rear Adml J.A.L. Myres CB on P473 it states, 'A bronze medal (Antarctic 1930-31) named to 16198 POS E.C.Blake RAN is known to exist but provenance is very questionable as no-one of this name was ever gazetted.' Furthermore, a perusal of E.C.Blake's service record shows no mention of any Antarctic service.