Orders, Decorations and Medals

An unusual Second World War D.S.M. group of six awarded to Able Seaman R. F. Ryan, Royal Navy, who served aboard the Free French Ship Aconit, which sank two German submarines on 13 March 1943

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (SSX.29704 R. F. Ryan, A.B.) impressed naming; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45, these unnamed; France, Croix de Guerre, undated, gilt star on ribbon, slight contact marks, very fine (7) £1600-1800

D.S.M. London Gazette 13 July 1943. ‘For good services in F.F.S. Aconit, in a successful action against enemy submarines’.

Able Seaman Richard Francis Ryan, R.N., served as Senior Asdic Operator on attachment to the Free French Forces corvette Aconit.

The Aconit formed part of the escort for convoy HX.228, en route from New York City to Liverpool. In the North Atlantic, the convoy came under attack from the ‘Neuland’ pack of German submarines. In the early morning of 13 March 1943, the U-444 (Albert Langfeld) was sighted on the surface by the destroyer, H.M.S. Harvester. The submarine immediately dived but being attacked by depth charges was forced to surface again. The Harvester then rammed the U-444 but found that it’s propeller shaft became stuck in the submarine, the two being held together for some 10 minutes. Eventually freeing themselves, the damaged submarine, unable to dive, slowly made off leaving the near crippled destroyer behind. An hour later, the submarine was located by the Free French corvette Aconite (Lieut-Commander Levasseur), which then rammed and sank the U-444. From a crew of 45 officers and men, only 4 survivors were rescued.

After some emergency repairs, the Harvester was able to make some speed and proceeded to locate its convoy; similarly the Aconit made all speed to catch up with its charges. However, as the morning progressed, the Harvester’s second shaft broke down and, near midday, the stationary destroyer was sunk by the U-432 (Herman Eckhardt). An hour later, the returning Aconit came upon the U-432, attacked her with depth charges, forced her to surface and then sank her with gunfire and ramming. From a crew of 46 officers and men, 20 survivors were recovered.

For his sterling service aboard the Aconit, the ship that sank two submarines in one day, Senior Asdic Operator Ryan was awarded the D.S.M. and French Croix de Guerre.

With an enamelled ‘Aconit’ lapel badge; photograph of the recipient; together with an original letter relating to the award of the D.S.M. and another that accompanied the citation for the Croix de Guerre. Also with copied Croix de Guerre citation and other copied research.

For his father’s medals, see lot 1407.