A scarce D.S.M. for operations in Palestine 1918 awarded to Deck Hand A. Fleming, Royal Naval Reserve

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL, G.V.R. (DA.9276, Dk. Hd. R.N.R. 'Gwenllian'Palestine Sept.-Nov. 1918) sometime lacquered, otherwise good very fine

D.S.M., London Gazette, 11th April, 1919: 'for services during Naval operations carried out in conjunction with Military operations in Palestine from September to November 1918:'

During the bombardment of Gaza, Palestine, by our monitors, torpedo-boats, and a French battleship, it became necessary to protect the bombarding ships by nets. These nets were towed by British drifters and trawlers, under Lieutenant G. Brand, R.N.R., H.M. Trawler 'Gwenllian' and rendered most efficient service, since enemy submarines were then operating off the coast of Palestine. These drifters and trawlers were also usefully employed in working off the same coast, while transports were discharging cargoes of ammunition and food for the British army. They escorted ships between Port Said and Palestine, and just before General Allenby's big advance were joined by fourteen more drifters from Taranto.

Only 3 D.S.M's awarded for Palestine operations from September to November 1918.