Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War Battle of Jutland D.S.M. awarded to Engine Room Artificer 3rd Class E. Williams, Royal Navy

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (M.5149 E.R.A.3Cl., H.M.S. Bellerophon, 31 May-1 June 1916) polished, good fine £800-1000

D.S.M. London Gazette 15 September 1916:

‘The following awards have been approved in connection with the recommendations of the Commander-in-Chief for services rendered by Petty Officers and Men of the Grand Fleet in the action in the North Sea on 31 May - 1 June 1916.’

Edward Williams was born in Hereford in August 1891 and entered the Royal Navy as an Acting Engine Room Artificer 4th Class in October 1912. Appointed in the same rate to the battleship H.M.S. Bellerophon in the following year, he remained similarly employed until March 1917, latterly serving as an Engine Room Artificer 3rd Class, and was present at the battle of Jutland, for which he was awarded his D.S.M. Accompanying research states that he was decorated for the following deeds:

‘On 31 May, Williams had the afternoon watch while the Fleet was steaming at high speed - 20 knots for the last port - to join the action already started by cruisers to the southward. When he was relieved at 4 p.m., he did not leave the engine room, but remained there almost continuously through the night until 10 a.m. the next day, setting a fine example of zeal, courage and cheerfulness to the whole department. His good work undoubtedly helped materially to maintain the utmost efficiency in the engine room during this period.’

Williams joined the P. 45 in July 1917, in which ship he remained actively employed until the end of the War. Advanced to Engine Room Artificer 1st Class in October 1924, he was awarded the L.S. & G.C. Medal in November 1927, and was still serving in 1929. Sold with copied service paper