Silver Jubilee medal, King George V 1935

Awarded to Admiral of the Fleet, Lord John Tovey (1885-1971). Obverse: Busts of their Majesties, crowned (left) Legend: 'GEORGE V AND QUEEN MARY MAY VI MCMXXXV.' Reverse: Royal cypher 'GRI' between dates 'MAY 6 1910' & 'MAY 6 1935'.

During World War I, Tovey commanded the destroyer HMS 'Jackal' at the Battle of Dogger Bank, HMS 'Onslow' at the Battle of Jutland and 'Ursa' at the Battle of Heligoland Bight. By the start of World War II, he was a Rear-Admiral in command of the destroyer flotillas of the Mediterranean Fleet, promoted to Vice-Admiral on 3 May 1939 and later Second in Command of the Mediterranean Fleet. From November 1940 as Commander-in Chief of the Home Fleet, he organised the pursuit and sinking of the 'Bismarck' and the escort of Arctic convoys. From June 1943 he was Commander-in-Chief, The Nore, involved with the invasion of Sicily and the Normandy Landings. He was ennobled on 15 February 1946 at the time of his retirement as 1st Baron Tovey of Langton Matravers.

Object Details

ID: MED2201
Collection: Coins and medals
Type: Jubilee medal
Display location: Not on display
Creator: John, William Goscombe
Events: Silver Jubilee of King George V, 1935
Date made: 1935
People: Tovey, John Cronyn
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 31 mm