A rare Second World War “Operation Pedestal” D.S.M. group of six awarded to Carpenter R. Stewart, Merchant Navy, who was decorated for his gallant deeds in the Port Chalmers

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (Cptr. R. Stewart); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45, the first with its original investiture brooch bar and the remainder mounted as worn, good very fine or better (6)
£1600-1800

D.S.M. London Gazette 10 November 1942:

‘For bravery and dauntless resolution while serving in H.M. Ships ... and in H.M. aircraft carriers, merchantmen and oilers when an important convoy was fought through to Malta in the face of relentless attacks by day and night from enemy submarines, aircraft and surface forces.’

Robert Stewart was decorated for his gallantry aboard the Port Chalmers, commanded by Captain G. B. Pinkney, during “Operation Pedestal”, in which nine merchantmen were sunk and three damaged, while the Senior Service lost an aircraft carrier, two cruisers and one destroyer, as well as having another half a dozen ships damaged.

Given such grim statistics, it is rare to be able to relate that the Port Chalmers was one of four merchantmen to reach Malta, and one of just two that arrived undamaged, testament indeed to the seamanship of her Master and crew - also aboard was Commander A. J. Venables, R.N. (Retd.), the Convoy’s Commodore, who later reported that the ship’s company ‘deserved the highest praise for their magnificent conduct and coolness under most trying circumstances, as the continual air bombing, always most accurate, was a great test for high morale, especially when the enemy had the sky to himself. The evening of the 12th was a severe trial to all, as the escort afloat had completely vanished at a critical moment after the disaster at the entrance to Skerki Channel ... ’

A view shared by Pinkney, who, in recommending his Chief Engineer, 2nd Officer and other members of crew for decorations, stated, ‘Enemy action commenced on the 11th August and was almost continuous until noon on the 13th ... by submarine, bombing and torpedo bombing’. And so it was, from the moment the convoy arrived in the Straits of Gibraltar, an early victim to torpedo attack being the aircraft carrier Eagle - she went down in 15 minutes. And then as related by Venables, further disaster struck at the entrance of the Skerki Channel - Port Chalmers was following the cruiser Cairo, and very nearly rammed her when she slowed after a torpedo hit, Pinkney just managing to get enough power astern before sliding past. While on the 13th, ‘Port Chalmers experienced extraordinary good fortune in just missing the bombs time after time’, so too a torpedo:

‘Pathfinder’s vigorous and spirited action had thrown the Italian pilots completely out of their stride and most of their torpedoes missed the ships well clear. Only one was accurate and this became entangled by its fin in the starboard paravane of Port Chalmers’ minesweeping gear. This left Captain Pinkney in an unenviable position with the live torpedo tied close to his side and threatening to swing in and detonate against her thin plates at any moment. Somewhat at a loss at this unexpected situation, Pinkney flashed the nearest escorts for advice. Commander Gibbs suggested that he should cut the paravane wire and swing the helm hard over. In the end the clump of chain for’ard was unshackled and let go and the derrick was then let go. Their dangerous companion then sank quickly as the Port Chalmers drew clear. Some minutes later it exploded on the bottom - in about 400 fathoms - and although the ship was well clear Captain Pinkney described the uplift of the explosion as tremendous.’

Pinkney was awarded an immediate D.S.O. and, in addition to D.S.Cs to his Chief Engineer and 2nd Officer, his crew also won seven D.S.Ms and three “mentions”.

Stewart was also awarded the Lloyd’s Meritorious Service Medal for his damage repair work in Port Chalmers in February 1943, during severe weather in the North Atlantic. And on his return to the U.K. in the following month, he received his D.S.M. at a Buckingham Palace investiture; sold with photocopies of his Admiralty letter of notification for his D.S.M., and related Naval Gratuity form, together with a local newspaper cutting reporting on his return to Malta 25 years on, with group photograph.

Withdrawn