Cased Presentation Oar, Southampton 1919

This is a fabulous quality 100-year old silver model of an oar that was given by the City of Southampton as a token of thanks. Made by Elkington & Company, this good-sized oar is of the highest quality with a satisying heavy feel in the hand and is presented in its original case.The oar bears the city Coat-of-Arms bearing the three Tudor roses in relief to the terminal and the conjoined "SH" over a barrel motif for Southampton Harbour.

To the other end of the oar is the following engraved inscription: "A token of public appreciation and personal regard Presented to Commodore W. Bourchier Wrey C.M.G, C.B.E Principal Naval Transport Officer on his leaving the port and town of Southampton after conclusion of peace June 1919".

The role of Principal Naval Transport Officer was a shore-based flagofficer or captain responsible for sea transport duties, and to assist the senior naval officer's area of command in the preparation of naval orders and conduct disembarkations.

William Bourchier Sherard Wrey entered the Navy in 1878. As a midshipman in the Superb, he was present at the bombardment of Alexandria, 1882, and was in the Carysfort in 1884 during the attack on Suakim. Still on the Mediterranean Station, he served in the Temeraire, 1884 to 1885. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1888, spent eight years on the China Station and became a commander in 1900. In 1909 he was made Divisional Officer of the Coast Guard, Southern District, with the rank of captain. At the outbreak of war he was recalled to service as Principal Naval Transport Officer at Southampton and remained there until 1918. (see Royal Museums Greenwich Collection website). Commodore W. Bourchier Wrey was awarded the CBE on June 3rd 1919.