Royal Navy Ditty Box

A pine box which was issued to sailors so as to keep their personal possessions, including letters from home, safe and private. They were all made to a standard design and size. This example carries a brass plate to the front with the original owner's name H. Eldridge. Our research indicates a Herbert Eldridge was a boy first class sailor service no. J/37894 and he served aboard HMS Queen Mary in WWI. He sadly died in action on the first day of the Battle of Jutland on the 31st May, 1916 aged 16. He is remembered with honour on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. Good original condition but lacking key. 12" (21 cm)