The Second War ‘Battle of Crete 1941’ D.S.M. group of eight awarded to Leading Seaman F. M. Waite, serving aboard H.M.S. Kelly under Captain Lord Louis Mountbatten

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (C/JX.142954 F. M. Waite, L. Smn. H.M.S. Kelly) impressed naming; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted as worn, good very fine (8) £1,400-£1,800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Naval Medals from the Collection of the Late Jason Pilalas.

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Douglas-Morris Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, February 1997.

D.S.M. London Gazette 8 January 1942: ‘For outstanding gallantry, fortitude and resolution during the Battle of Crete.’ Three D.S.M.s were awarded to Kelly, including Leading Seaman F. M. Waite.

The destroyer Kelly, under the command of Captain Lord Louis Mountbatten, was badly damaged in June 1940. She was hit by a German torpedo boat in foggy weather, the torpedo exploding under the bridge and blowing a huge hole in her side which almost broke her in two. She was taken in tow but with small chance of survival as a gale sprang up shortly afterwards. For four days and nights she was at the mercy of the seas, and on some occasions had to be temporarily abandoned by her crew. During this time there were frequent attacks by enemy aircraft to be contended with, all of which were successfully beaten off. She was eventually brought safely to harbour and repaired.

On the night of 22 May 1941, in company with the destroyer Kashmir, Kelly was bombarding German positions on the island of Crete. At daybreak the next morning, they destroyed two caiques carrying troops and ammunition. This action brought upon the two destroyers the unwelcome attention of German dive-bombers and from 5.30 a.m. they were repeatedly attacked. The Kashmir was struck amidships by a 1,000-pound bomb and sank immediately. The Kelly was hit soon afterwards and sank with great rapidity, taking with her nine officers and 119 ratings. Eight officers, including Captain Lord Louis Mountbatten, and 120 ratings were picked up by the destroyer Kipling, which also saved a number of the crew of Kashmir.

Frank Moore Waite entered the Navy in 1934 and specialised in Gunnery. He joined the newly commissioned H.M.S. Kelly in August 1939, and as one of the most experienced gunners in the service he was made captain of Kelly’s eight-man pom pom crew and witnessed her first wartime operation, conveying the Duke and Duchess of Windsor out of France.