Lot Archive

Lot

№ 869

.

9 December 1999

Hammer Price:
£650

A St George’s Day Raid D.S.M. pair awarded to Chief Yeoman of Signals A. J. Gamby, Royal Navy, Leading Signaller aboard the Vindictive at Zeebrugge

Distinguished Service Medal,
G.V.R. (J.11326 Lg. Sig. “Vindictive” Zeebrugge-Ostend. 22-3 Apl. 1918); Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue with fixed suspension (C.Y.S. H.M.S. Hawkins) contact wear and pitting, otherwise nearly very fine (2) £400-450

D.S.M. London Gazette 23 July 1918: ‘For services during the operations against Zeebrugge and Osten on the night of 22nd-23rd April 1918. Ldg. Sig. Albert James Gamby, ON J.11326 (Ch.), H.M.S. Vindictive.’

The Yeoman of Signals on the
Vindictive, John Buckley D.S.M., was alone by himself in a special steel shelter on the bridge and by this method it was hoped to give him protection whilst he carried out his important duties. Unfortunately his shelter was hit by a shell as Vindictive approached the Mole, and he was killed. Leading Signaller Gamby was no doubt on the after platform when this happened and called to the bridge to take over the signalling duties. No other signaller from Vindictive received an award, except a posthumous mention for the Yeoman of Signals.