A rare Second World War ‘Norway campaign’ D.S.M. group of ten awarded to Chief Petty Officer Telegraphist A. O. Patten, Royal Navy, for operation ‘Primrose’, the landings of the British Expeditionary Force at Aandalsnes

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (J. 55452 A. O. Patten C.P.O. Tel. R.N.) impressed naming; British War and Victory Medals (J. 55452 A. O. Patten. O. Tel. R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. 3rd issue (J. 55452 A. O. Pattem. P.O. Tel. H.M.S. Cicala) Great War pair with edge bruising and contact marks, nearly very fine, otherwise good very fine (10) £1800-2200

D.S.M. London Gazette 25 June 1940: ‘For courage and resource in operations on the Norwegian Coast. Chief Petty Officer Alfred Owen Patten, D/J. 55452.’

The following recommendation is taken from the report on Operation Primrose submitted by Captain M. M. Denny, N.O.I.C. Aandalsnes:

‘I have selected the following three ratings as having specially distinguished themselves for devotion to duty under fire, and for outstanding bearing and conduct when others were showing signs of strain:-

(a) C.P.O. Telegraphist Patten. In charge of the W/T. Station set up at Molde. Laboured unceasingly, and by his confident bearing and cheerful demeanour throughout set an example to his juniors.’

C.P.O. Telegraphist Patten was commissioned Warrant Telegraphist on 11 December 1942. He is listed in the Navy List as being at Mercury, the Admiralty Signal Establishment at Haslemere from 4 January 1943, and at Byrsa for miscellaneous services from 28 November 1944. He retired as Senior Commissioned Telegraphist on 1 October 1953.

Sold with full copy of Captain Denny’s report on Operation Primrose.