TOPIC:

Picture courtesy of Noonan's

Egypt, dated reverse (1) Alexandria 11th July (W. J. Kittow. Ord: H.M.S. “Monarch.”);
QSA (0) (Gunr. W. J. Kitts, RN, H.M.S. Magicienne.);
AGS 1902 (1) Jubaland (Gunr. W. J. Kitto, R.N., H.M.S. Magicienne.);
British War Medal 1914-20 (Lieut. W. J. Kitto. R.N.);
Royal Navy LS&GC VR (W. J. Kitts, P.O. 1st Cl., H.M.S. Defiance.) impressed naming;
Khedive’s Star, dated 1882, unnamed as issued,

William James Kitto was born in Gorran, Cornwall, in June 1863. He joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in October 1879, and advanced to Ordinary Seaman in July 1881. Kitto served with H.M.S. Monarch from March 1882 to April 1885. He advanced to Petty Officer 1st Class in July 1889, and was commissioned Gunner (Torpedo) in March 1893. Kitto subsequently served with HMS Magicienne during the Second Boer War and Jubaland operations. Kitto was one of the Royal Navy men who landed at Kismayu to the supplement the garrison there, and was thanked for his services against the Ogaden Somalis. He advanced to Chief Gunner in April 1910, and to Lieutenant in June 1912. Kitto was appointed to Actæon to qualify for the Naval Wing of the Royal Flying Corps 4 July 1912, and served in a Staff Capacity for the entirety of the Great War. He retired Lieutenant Commander in June 1920, and died in August 1940.

Pictures courtesy of Charterhouse

QSA (0) (W C Jones AB HMS Magicienne);
AGS 1902 (1) Jubaland (W C Jones AB HMS Magicienne)