The medal collection of one of the most celebrated British Naval commanders is going under the hammer.

Dawsons auctioneers have been appointed to sell the medals of revered Naval Captain Ralph Kerr CBE (1891-1941), who commanded the ill-fated HMS Hood.

The largest capital ship in England was sunk by the German battleship Bismarck in the Denmark Strait in May, 1941.

The auction on Thursday, May 30, coincides with the commemoration of 83 years almost to the day of the ship's sinking and the commander's death, alongside most of his crew, of which there were only three survivors out of 1,418.

It is therefore a poignant reminder of the perils of war that we are seeing today in various parts of the world, as well as a celebration of the life of someone who made a vital difference to Britain's history.

Born in Gloucestershire during the Victorian era, Captain Ralph Kerr joined the Royal Navy at the early age of 13. His journey led him through the trials of the First World War, where he distinguished himself at the Battle of Jutland in 1916.

Subsequently, he assumed command of HMS Cossack in 1918, marking the beginning of an illustrious naval career. The account of Captain Kerr's life is one of daring escapades and remarkable resilience. Notably, his leadership aboard destroyers, including several flotillas stationed in the Mediterranean, which earned him widespread admiration. An incident in which he was mistakenly reported drowned, only to prove otherwise, speaks volumes of his character and resolve.

In early 1941, Captain Kerr's appointment as Commander of HMS Hood surprised many, given his background in destroyer operations. Tragically, his tenure aboard Britain's one-time largest and most powerful warship was short-lived.

HMS Hood was scheduled to undergo a major rebuild in 1941 to keep up with advances in naval gunnery, but this was not possible due to the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939. Therefore, before any upgrades were possible, the once 'Mighty Hood' met its fateful end in the Straits of Denmark at the hands of the fabled German warship Bismarck.

Kerr's remarkable medal collection includes numerous honours awarded to him throughout his distinguished career, from his early days as a cadet in the Royal Navy, to his command of HMS Hood.

They comprise his WWI group, named to Lieut. R. Kerr RN, a George VI Coronation Medal and miniature sets, a Palestine Medal, in its original box of issue, with a letter from the Admiralty dated July 30, 1942.

A further letter from the Admiralty features a bronze oak leaf emblem attached, which was awarded for Kerr's mention in Despatches (an official report describing a meritorious action that the subject had taken in the face of the enemy).

As well as his WWII medals are others awarded posthumously, which include a WWII Campaign Medal, a Defence Medal, an Atlantic Star and a 1939-1945 Star, together with a Burma Star, awarded to his son, Captain Russell Kerr, Royal Artillery, 82nd Tank Regt a Royal Artillery commander, killed in Burma in 1945.

There is also a Knight Batchelor Badge awarded in 1932 to Russell Kerr and assorted sporting and military competition badges also collected by Russell Kerr. This impressive medal collection carries an estimate of £3,000-£5,000.

Alongside Kerr's medals is his ceremonial naval sword, a personally issued 1856 pattern midshipman's dirk and scabbard, made by Wilkinson Sword for Gieves, Matthes & Seagrove. It features a lion's head pommel wire bound shagreen grip, acorn tipped quillon and 'fouled anchor' boss, with the blade showing decoration of engraved scrolls. It comes with a polished black leather scabbard and hangar, with gilt brass furniture, bearing the gothic monogram RK. It carries an estimate of £300-£500.

Also from Kerr's estate is a portrait of Captain Kerr by the popular English Royal portrait painter in the early part of the 20th century, Oswald Birley (1880-1952). The artist portrays Kerr in full uniform, wearing a duffle coat and holding binoculars. The painting, which captures Kerr's likeness in striking detail, is accompanied by handwritten correspondence from the artist to the sitter's widow, dating from March 1943 to July 1944, discussing the photographs used, the composition and the clothes in the painting.

It also comprises A History of the Family Kerr by Russell J. Kerr, November, 1923, published for Private Circulation by John Bellows, Gloucester in 1923. The oil on canvas is signed Oswald Birley 1943 and carries an estimate of £2,000-£3,000. An atmospheric watercolour titled HMS Hood in Valetta is also on offer. It carries an estimate of £300-£500.

When asked to comment, Kerr's family said: "I never knew my grandfather, but the details of his face are etched on my mind, from the portrait by Oswald Birley, painted after he died and which hung in a prominent position in the house I grew up in. My mother always said it was a very good likeness, apart from the hands which just didn't do his hands justice."

Peter Mason, of Dawsons, commented: "The team at Dawsons Auctioneers are honoured to be selling this important group of items relating to Captain Ralph Kerr. It is a rare opportunity to handle such a comprehensive collection of personal items from the life of a significant figure in British Naval history, and we are very much looking forward to offering them for sale later this month."

As the 83rd anniversary of the sinking of HMS Hood approaches this month, the auction will almost certainly rouse emotion with collectors and naval enthusiasts alike, serendipitously aligned as it is, with this historic milestone.

The auction is taking place at Dawsons' main saleroom in Maidenhead, Berkshire, though online bids can be made via their website.