Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War ‘Q-Ship’ D.S.C. group of four awarded to Lieutenant E. G. Smithard, Royal Naval Reserve, for the destruction of U-85 in March 1917

Distinguished Service Cross, G.V.R., the reverse hallmarked London 1918; 1914-15 Star (Mid. E. G. Smithard, R.N.R.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. E. G. Smithard, R.N.R.) the Star and Victory Medal sometime gilded, extremely fine £1600-1800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Naval Medals from the collection formed by Captain W. A. Tinlin, M.C., late 14th London Regiment (1880-1965).

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D.S.C. London Gazette 12 May 1917: Sub. Lieut. (actg.) Edmund George Smithard, R.N.R.

Awarded for the action in the English Channel on 12 March 1917 when the Q-ship Privet (Q-19) sank the U-85 by gunfire. The recommendation for Smithard’s D.S.C. states: ‘Was stationed in the engaged battery throughout and kept his gun’s crews steady when battery was struck by a shell. The excellent firing was largely due to his spotting and coolness.’ The Captain of the vessel, Lieutenant-Commander C. G. Matheson, received the D.S.O. and the D.S.C. also went to John Sells, Assistant Paymaster, who remained on the bridge and attended to the wounded. Sold with further details.