United Kingdom. A First War Pair and Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Group to Charles Pollard, H.M.S Donegal

A British War Medal, in silver, rim impressed 137265 C. POLLARD. C.P.O. R.N., dark patina, reverse bears tape residue and discolouration in the center, very fine. 

A Victory Medal, in bronze gilt, rim impressed 137265 C. POLLARD. C.P.O. R.N., minor gilt wear, reverse bears minor tape residue and discolouration in the center, very fine. 

A Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, in silver, rim engraved 137265 CHARLES POLLARD C.P.O. H.M.S DONEGAL., silvered finish exhibiting wear and scratches, slight area of residue/discoloration on the reverse, staining on ribbon, remains very fine. 

Footnote: Charles Pollard was born in Gloucester on November 18, 1870. He enlisted with the Royal Navy at the age of 18, in 1888, and began serving aboard the Impregnable. At the time, he stood 5’5” tall, with hazel eyes, dark brown hair, and an anchor tattooed on his left arm. Throughout the course of his naval career, he served on over 15 ships. During the First War, from October 1914 to January 1918, Pollard was a Chief Petty Officer aboard the HMS Donegal. 

HMS Donegal was a Monmouth-class armored cruiser launched in 1902 that served in the First World War, primarily acting as a patrol vessel, escort, and specialized training ship before being sold in 1920. It was initially placed in reserve before WWI in August 1914 but subsequently served in the Channel Fleet and in Atlantic patrols. Pollard’s last service date was May 1918.