THE ROYAL NAVAL RESERVE
SERVICE RECORD
OF
JOHN WILSON
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MY GRANDFATHERS MEDALS

THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS

Originally designated the Conspicuous Service Cross (1901 - 1914), the Distinguished Service Cross was awarded to naval personnel, from Warrant officer to Lieutenant, for the performance of meritorious or distinguished services before the enemy. In 1939, Commanders and Lieutenant-Commanders were also made eligible for the DSC.

A plain silver cross pattee, convex and 39.7mm across. The ribbon is 34.9mm wide and consists of 3 equal stripes: navy blue, white and navy blue.
Part of one of the 17 boards at the Royal Naval Patrol Service
museum, Lowestoft, commemorating the 850, or so, honours
won by members of the RNPS during WWII

The London Gazette dated 11 July 1940, announced that on the 11 July 1940, The King has also been graciously pleased to approve the following awards (The Distinguished Service Cross) for like services to:-

Chief Skipper John Wilson, R.D., R.N.R., W.S.2354, H.M.T. Rutlandshire
Skipper William Boyle, R.N.R., H.M.T. Young Jacob
Skipper Peter Buchan, R.N.R., W.S.2700, H.M.T. Tamora
Skipper Edmond Allan Reynolds Chilton, R.N.R., H.M.T. Ohm
Skipper Victor Frederick Holness, R.N.R., H.M.T. Regardo
Skipper George Thomas Lilley, R.N.R., H.M.T. Kirkella
Skipper Eric George Littler, R.N.R., H.M.T. Indian Star
Skipper Thomas Henry Masters Lowery, R.N.R., H.M.T. Thomas Altoft
Skipper Joseph Allan Prettyman, R.N.R., W.S.2936, H.M.T. Gladfly
Skipper John Alexander Sutherland, R.N.R., W.S.2893, H.M.T. Pelton



Click on either of the above images to enlarge

On the 11 July 1940, a total of 41 DSC's were awarded; I've listed only the trawler skippers receiving the DSC. It is interesting to note that Skipper Littler of the H.M.T. Indian Star was also awarded the DSC. The H.M.T. Indian Star was mentioned in the Admiralty report dated 19 April 1940, subject: Encounter of H.M.T. INDIAN STAR and H.M.T. Rutlandshire with enemy aircraft on 29 March 1940.

My grandfather had his name and year engraved on the reverse side of the DSC. Although originally planned for the 15 October 1940, the investiture was delayed until the 22 February 1941.
The Distinguished Service Medal was also awarded to Ordinary Signalman James Norman Memery, R.N.V.R., D/MD/X.2476, H.M.T. Rutlandshire on the above date. Memery's name does not appear in the official crew list provided by the Directorate of Personnel Support (Navy), Navy Search, TNT Archives Services.

 

The London Gazette dated 11 October 1940, also announced that Leading Seaman Thomas Henry Graham, R.N.R., X.7937C, H.M.T. Rutlandshire also received the D.S.M.



Click on the image above to enlarge
The medal is awarded to Chief Petty Officers, Petty Officers and men of the navy (or army and air force personnel of equal rank serving with the fleet) who show themselves to the fore in action, and set an example of bravery and resource under fire, but without performing acts of such pre-eminent bravery as would render them eligible to recieve the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal.

 

Please contact f.wilson@royal-naval-reserve.co.uk for further information regarding this site.

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