Lot 631
THE MEDALS AND DOCUMENTS ALSO SWORD OF Lt W J CUSACK RN
A 1914/15 Star named to Sig Bosn W J Cusack RN. British War & Victory Medals named to Ch S. Bosn W J Cusack RN. R N Temperance Society Star medal with Fidelity top bar. A circular silver medal marked Royal Naval Branch, National temperance League. A small silver Battle of Jutland medal, 22mm diameter. An Aubokir Cup 1913 Field Gun medal. A Prince of Wales 1911 Investiture Medal, complete with named attendance certificate. Number 1925 in British Commemorative Medals 35mm diameter.An R N Temperance Society Order of Merit Medal. A Gilt H E S Devonport badge, etc
Certificates of service from when William John Cusack a native of Jersey, signed up as a Boy 2 Class in 1888. He was born at St Heliers in January 1873, before his parents moved to England. His address was given as 10 Kew Street, Devonport, when he joined up, his profession then noted as Printer.
Becoming proficient with Homing Pigeons he entered the Signals Branch, then in its very early days of the usage of Ship to Ship Wireless, etc. His promotion to Signalman, Signal Bosun, Chief Signals Bosun and Signal Lt, took over 30 years.
His Service record is signed on several occasions by famous Naval Officers, including Charles Ramsey Arthbutnot. Another was Admiral later Sea Lord Jackie Fisher RN.
His service sobriety documents start in 1902 and continue until 1918. (28 in total). Original photographs and postcard etc, of a young Cusack are finished with him in full dress uniform with his sword.
He served in Battleships, Cruisers and Light Cruisers, in his long career in the Navy.
He was Mentioned in Despatches in May 1918. Gazette issue 30687, for services in the Mediterranean Station. 'He has shown much zeal and ability in the signal work of the Squadron. Given much satisfaction in the patrolling of Patrol and Escort Ships.
Acting Sig Boatswain June 1902.
Chief Signal Boatswain June 1917.
Signal Lieutenant September 1921.
Ships include HMS Camperdown, Lancaster, Carnarvon, Skirmisher, etc.
He was afloat for the entire Gt War, including the East Coast, Dardenelles and in the Mediterranean, etc. Then 2.1/2 years on the staff of the C in C, Devonport
Retiring in 1921, with the rank of Lt RN he moved to Hill Crest, Addington Nr Liskeard , Cornwall.
Here his sobriety and enthusiasm with working with young people or the RBL, was put to use. Married with one son, he was a tower of the community raising funds and gifts for widows and orphans. Getting pensions for ex service personnel, who the Government were reluctant to award payments too.
A Stalwart of the Royal British Legion, also a Freemason,
Two original obituaries from local papers, are with the lot.
His Naval Officers sword complete with scabbard, supplied by Stumbles & Son, Outfitters of Devonport. The scabbard engraved with Presented to W J Cusack by Petty Offrs 1st Class, HMS Illustrious, 26th June 1902.
He had served for over 30 years, as yet no trace of the award of a LSGC medal
or an Officers RN Decoration;
See Illustration
