Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Great War ‘minesweeping operations’ D.S.M. pair awarded to Skipper G. Bruce, Royal Naval Reserve

Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (S.A.649 G. Bruce, 2nd Hd. R.N.R., “Oropesa” Minesweeping. 1917.); British War Medal 1914-20 (S.A.649 G. Bruce, Skr., R.N.R.) contact marks, nearly very fine (2) £600-700

D.S.M. London Gazette 17 April 1918. ‘.... in recognition of their services in mine-sweeping operations between the 1st April and 31st December, 1917’ ‘2nd Hnd. (now Skpr.) George Bruce, R.N.R., ON649 SA.’

George Bruce was born in London on 29 September 1880. He enrolled into the R.N.R. on 19 November 1914. As a 2nd Hand he served on Halcyon, Oropesa and Zaria, being awarded the D.S.M. for his sterling service in the sweeping of mines. He was promoted to Skipper in February 1918 and served as such aboard the Pekin. He was demobilised in September 1919.

George Bruce was in addition awarded the Royal Humane Society Testimonial on Vellum for saving life at Hull on 9 May 1915. With copied service papers.