Auction Catalogue

13 December 2007

Starting at 11:00 AM

.

Orders, Decorations and Medals

Washington Mayfair Hotel  London  W1J 5HE

Lot

№ 984

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13 December 2007

Hammer Price:
£1,100

A Second World War ‘Mine-laying Service’ D.S.M. group of eight awarded to Chief Engine Room Artificer A. R. Kelleway, Royal Navy

Distinguished Service Medal
, G.VI.R. (MX.46542 C.E.R.A.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star, clasp, North Africa 1942-43; Burma Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45, M.I.D. oak leaf; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (MX.46542 C.E.R.A., H.M.S. Drake) very fine (8) £1000-1200

D.S.M. London Gazette 14 December 1943. ‘For courage, endurance and skill in Mine-laying operations’.

M.I.D. London Gazette 4 May 1943. ‘For bravery and skill in successful mine-laying operations in H.M.S. Abdiel’.

Chief Engine Room Artificer Arthur Rufus Kelleway was mentioned in despatches in May 1943 for his services in the Mediterranean aboard the minelayer Abdiel. In the first few months of 1943 the Abdiel had, in conjunction with other vessels, laid mine-fields which resulted in the loss of several Italian destroyers. He was awarded the D.S.M., again for his services on the Abdiel in the Mediterranean, and, more specifically for his deeds on the occasion of her loss when she was mined off Taranto on 10 September 1943, two days after the Italian capitulation. The mines had been laid just a few hours before by two German patrol boats. The Abdiel was carrying elements of the British 1st Airborne Division (6th Battalion Royal Welsh Regiment). Just after midnight the ship struck two mines and sank in three minutes with great loss of life. The Airborne Division lost 58 dead and the ship lost 48 officers and crew. Sold with some copied research.