1915 Star. Hitchen. Royal Navy. Walsall, Staffordshire.

Correctly named SS3923 HH Hitcen AB RN

Harry Howard Hitchen was born to Robert and Agnes in Walsall in 1893.

In 1911, we find the family living at 79 Arundel Street, Walsall ans Harry is working as an apprentice bleacher in the saddling trade.

He enlisted into the Navy in 1912. His first ship posting being HMS Venerable which was a part of the 2nd home Fleet based at Nore.

He then served for a short while aboard HMS Princess RoyaL.

He served the majority of WWI aboard HMS Gypsy as a part of the 6th Destroyer Flotilla based at Dover, escorting merchant ships in the English Channel.

By March 1918, he was aboard HMS Topaze. Topaze was the only light cruiser to be based in Egypt. He had left the ship in November 1919.

He married Annie Dicken in 1920.

We see in 1921, he is listed as being an out of work general labourer for Guys Motor Engineering.

In 1939 he is seen to be working as a postman and living 81 Arundel Street, Walsall.

Harry died in 1961.

The medal retains its original silk ribbon.