Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare Great War D.S.M. awarded to Boatswain W. Gallagher, Mercantile Marine

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (Boatswain W. Gallagher, Bristol Channel 23 Dec. 1916), edge bruise, very fine £600-800

D.S.M. London Gazette 12 May 1917:

‘The following awards have been approved to the following men of the British Mercantile Marine, in recognition of zeal and devotion to duty shown in carrying on the trade of the country during the War.’

William Gallagher, who was born in Londonderry in April 1888, was decorated for his gallant deeds during an attack on the merchantmen Bertrand and William Middleton by an enemy submarine in the Bristol Channel on 23 December 1916 - at one stage the latter vessel was under German control, but at length both ships were rescued.