A WW1 Royal Navy LS&GC Medal Group Awarded to Able Seaman F. R. Tuffs, who survived the sinking of the Lightning in 1915 and later served with the monitor Lord Clive.

Frederick Robert Tuffs was born at Wells, Norfolk on 7 September 1876, and enlisted on 23 June 1894 as Boy Class II. Reaching his majority on 23 December 1894 with Northampton he was further advanced Able Seaman on 14 November 1897. He joined the crew of the destroyer Lightning on 21 November 1911 and was still with her upon the outbreak of the Great War.

This vessel was serving with the Nore Local Defence Flotilla in 1915 and on 30 June was ordered to investigate reports of sea mines near the Kentish Knick Lightvessel. They successfully identified and destroyer three however Lightning struck another and broke in half, her bow sank killing 15 men however the stern remained afloat and was towed to Sheerness.

Remaining on her books until July, Tuffs was posted to the monitor Lord Clive in December 1915. With her he undertook missions to bombard the Belgian coast, targeting troop concentrations and Naval assets as well as supporting Allied operations were possible. Tuffs was still present with her when she took part in the First Ostend Raid on 23 April 1918, he left her in November 1918 and was demobilised on 5 April 1919; sold together with a copied service record.

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

1914-15 Star, 178682, F, R. TUFFS, A.B., R.N.; British War and Victory Medals 178682 F. R. TUFFS. A.B. R.N.; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R.178682 F. R. TUFFS, A.B., H.M.S. PEMBROKE.

Condition, pitting, very fine