Orders, Decorations and Medals

A ‘P.Q. 16’ Russian Convoy D.S.M. group of seven awarded to Chief Engine Room Artificer F. C. Laming, H.M.S. Volunteer
Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (M.5556 C.E.R.A.); British War and Victory Medals (E.R.A.4 R.N.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; War Medal; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 2nd issue (5556 E.R.A.2, H.M.S. Sandhurst) the Great War medals polished, fine, the first with edge cut, otherwise good very fine (7) £600-800

D.S.M. London Gazette 25 August 1942: ‘For distinguished services in H.M. Ships ...Volunteer ..., in taking convoys to and from Murmansk, through the dangers of ice and heavy seas and in the face of relentless attacks by enemy U-boats, aircraft and surface forces.’

Although the official recommendation for this award has not survived, he does feature in his Captain’s report which states: ‘C.E.R.A. Frederick Charles Laming. Who has for a long time had the main engines of H.M.S. Volunteer under his care. The response to the calls made upon them during the action undoubtedly contributed largely to keeping the ship undamaged.’

Convoy P.Q. 16, of 35 ships, sailed on 21 June 1942, and arrived at Murmansk on 30 June. It was continuously attacked by bombing and torpedo planes but the U-boats were, in the main, fought off. Seven ships were lost with 32,000 tons of cargo, including 147 tanks, 77 aircraft and 770 vehicles.