Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine Second World War Dunkirk operations D.S.M. group of nine awarded to Chief Petty Officer A. H. H. Gutsell, Royal Navy, for services in the yacht Thele

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (J. 28475 A. H. H. Gutsell, C.P.O., H.M.Y. Thele); 1914-15 Star (J. 28475 Boy 1, R.N.); British War and Victory Medals (J. 28475 L.S., R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal 1939-45; Jubilee 1935; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 3rd issue, coinage bust (J. 28475 P.O., H.M.S. Victory), the Great War period awards with contact marks and polished, thus fine or better, the remainder generally good very fine (9) £1800-2200

D.S.M. London Gazette 16 August 1940:

‘For good services in the withdrawal of the Allied Armies from the beaches at Dunkirk.’

The original recommendation states:

‘For conspicuous boat work and in effecting contact with G.H.Q. He worked the dinghy under heavy fire.’

Arthur Henry Herbert Gutsell was born in Hastings, Sussex in June 1898 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in 1913. Appointed to the cruiser H.M.S. Achilles in October 1914, he remained similarly employed until August 1918, in which period she formed part of the 2nd Cruiser Squadron in the Grand Fleet and sank the German raider Leopard north of the Shetlands in March 1917.

Remaining a regular between the Wars, Gutsell was appointed to the motor yacht Thele, recently requisitioned by the Admiralty for services as an Auxiliary Patrol vessel, soon after the outbreak of hostilities, and it was in this capacity that he won his D.S.M. off Dunkirk. Thele’s C.O., Lieutenant H. M. Glassborow, R.N.V.R., submitted the following report in respect of her movements on 31 May 1940:

‘0600 - arrived off Bray. Proceeded to La Panne under orders from Ankh to take soldiers off beach. 0630 - arrived off La Panne, took soldiers from surf boats and transferred them to destroyers. Later ordered by captain of a destroyer to place ourselves at the disposal of a paddle steamer anchored off the beach. Did this, collected her boats, took them in to the beach and brought soldiers to her. The Commodore in Bounty suggested we used our launch and with assistance of soldiers on board, we tried to get the launch in the water but smashed it in the process. Later called up by the destroyer Keith and ordered to anchor astern of her. After about half an hour there was an air raid and Keith weighed and left ordering me to remain where I was as despatch boat. As bombs were falling all around, weighed anchor but remained in position. The Commodore arrived in a small boat, transferred to us and took over the ship. Sailed round La Panne and Bray, boarding ships and transmitting Commodore’s orders. 1300 - went alongside the sloop Hebe and took her captain on board. Put Commodore on board paddle steamer. While we were alongside her, she was attacked by aircraft and she weighed and left with the Commodore aboard. Heavy air attack at La Panne; captain of the Hebe ordered me to signal all ships to move half a mile westward. Followed Hebe to try and put her captain aboard. Arrived alongside her off Bray, just as she was attacked by bombers, so was ordered by her captain to lie off her while she was in action, but close enough for him to pass orders to her if necessary. Later, put him on La Panne and took off G.H.Q. personnel. Was given night operation orders to hand to Lord Gort. Proceeded to La Panne escorted by Hebe and lay off pier. 1630 - sent dinghy with A. H. H. Gutsell, C.P.O. and G. Duncan, A.B., with orders to contact G.H.Q. and hand over night operation orders. While waiting took on soldiers. Dinghy returned with Lieutenant Crosswell, R.N., N.L.O. to Lord Gort. Lord Gort was taken off by a destroyer’s launch. Went to Bray to try and contact Hebe, but on the way was ordered by the Admiral to go in to the beach with whaler and take off a General. At beach, Ahola arrived and transferred to me Lord Gort’s baggage, valet and driver. Requested Ahola to attend to the General and off again to find the Hebe. Ordered by the Admiral to proceed to sea to collect boats drifting about. Went about two miles out and collected three boats and brought these back to Bray. Closed Hebe and put Lord Gort’s gear and servants aboard. Lieutenant Crosswell remained with me. Lay off La Panne ferrying soldiers to destroyers until 0200, when no more troops could be found. Proceeded in direction of Bray and was ordered by M.T.B. 102 to lay off H.M.S. Keith as we might be wanted. Did this until 0300 when shelling of water started. Keith weighed and went off without giving me orders. Informed by Lieutenant Crosswell that everything had to be gone by 0400 and, as no ships could be seen at 0325, left beaches and proceeded to Dover and arrived 1100. It is estimated that about 250 soldiers were taken off in the course of the day. Chief Petty Officer A. H. H. Gutsell remained by the dinghy in spite of heavy shelling of the pier, until G.H.Q. staff arrived.’