Three: Ordinary Coder D. J. Oldman, Royal Navy, who was killed in action when H.M.S. Manchester was attacked by five Italian torpedo bombers whilst on convoy escort duty as part of Operation Substance in the Mediterranean, 23 July 1941

1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45, with named Admiralty enclosure, in card box of issue, addressed to ‘Mrs. M. A. Oldman, 176 Essex Street, Norwich, Norfolk’, extremely fine (3) £120-160

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to Second World War Casualties.

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Dennis John Oldman served during the Second World War as an Ordinary Coder in the light cruiser H.M.S. Manchester. On 23 July 1941, as part of the Mediterranean Fleet taking part in Operation Substance, a Malta Convoy, H.M.S. Manchester was attacked by five Italian S79 torpedo bombers of 283rd Squadriglia. H.M.S. Manchester suffered heavy casualties and severe damage, and was out of action for nine months. Repaired, she was subsequently sunk during Operation Pedestal.

Oldman was amongst those killed, aged 29. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial. His medals were sent to his mother Mary Ann Oldman.

Sold with a postcard photograph of H.M.S. Manchester.