Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine Second World War Dunkirk operations D.S.M. group of five awarded to Able Seaman W. F. Lunn, Royal Navy, who was decorated for his gallantry as a member of crew in the motor yacht Ankh - the “flagship” of the Naval Officer in Charge of the beaches at Bray

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (JX. 166227 W. F. Lunn. A.B., H.M.Y. Ankh); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, clasp, France and Germany; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Fleet Reserve L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R.,1st issue (J.X. 166227 PO. B. 20302 L. Smn., R.F.R.), good very fine or better (5) £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 devotion to duty under fire for a prolonged period as crew of the launch, rescuing large numbers of troops.’

Walter Frank Lunn was decorated for his services as a member of crew in the motor yacht Ankh, which vessel was under the command of Lieutenant E. H. Sparkes, R.N.V.R., but which also acted as the “flagship” Captain J. M. Howson, R.N., the Naval Officer in Charge of the beaches at Bray - Yacht Engineer Frederick Barter was also awarded the D.S.M. for like services, both men receiving their decorations at an investiture held on 1 March 1941. Of events on the 31 May 1940, Sparkes wrote in his official report:

‘0530 - beaches in sight. 0610 - approached to within the two fathom line. Hailed by launch. Captain Howson, R.N., Naval Officer in Charge of the beaches, came on board and said we were to be his flagship. We were used throughout the day at Bary, towing loaded boats to the destroyers and, on the return journey, taking empty boats in to the vicinity of the pier, and letting them drift ashore for a fresh load. On some occasions, this was varied by embarking troops on board us, letting the boats drift ashore while we steamed to the destroyers to transfer our load. Our own launch was lowered and, under F. Barter, Yacht Engineer, and Able Seaman W. F. Lunn, was employed towing loaded whalers to destroyers. This routine was maintained throughout the day. It is impossible to give an accurate figure of the number of men helped, but it is estimated that between 900-1000 were ferried off. 1930 - heavy bombing raid, four bombs fell very close to us, causing leaks forward and in the stern tubes. 2000 - left Bray on instructions from Captain Howson and proceeded to Dover. 0815 - berthed Dover.

Special mention is made of the work of Yacht Engineer F. Barter and Able Seaman W. F. Lunn, who ran the launch until it was swamped, most of the time under fire and bombing.’