William John Charles was born in Wareham, Dorset, on 10 January 1884 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 26 July 1899. Advanced Leading Seaman on 3 May 1911, he served during the Great War in H.M.S. Minotaur from the outbreak of War to 16 September 1916, being present at the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916, and was promoted Petty Officer on 27 April 1917. He was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 23 March 1917, and was shore pensioned on 22 June 1923, subsequently joining the Royal Fleet Reserve.

The medals are mounted for display, sold with some copied research, and are as follows -

1914-15 Star, 205356. W. J. CHARLES. L.S., R.N.; British War and Victory Medals, 205356 W. J. CHARLES. P.O. R.N.; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue, 205356. W. J. CHARLES. LDG SEAM. H.M.S. VICTORY.; Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.V.R., 2nd issue, WILLIAM J. CHARLES

Condition, contact marks, nearly very fine.