Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A good Second World War D.S.M. group of eight awarded to Chief Stoker F. C. Masters, Royal Navy, who was decorated for his gallant deeds aboard the destroyer H.M.S. Dulverton during Malta Convoy MW. 10 in March 1942 - a convoy that sailed alongside Admiral Vian’s force which famously clashed with the Italian Fleet off Sirte

Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (KX. 75211 F. C. Masters, Ch. Sto.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Pacific Star; Italy Star; War Medal 1939-45; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (KX. 75211 F. C. Masters, S.P.O., H.M.S. Diamond), good very fine (8) £800-1000

D.S.M. London Gazette 8 September 1942:

‘For gallantry, skill and seamanship in H.M. Ships in a brilliant action against strong enemy forces, which were driven off and severely damaged. This action resulted in the safe passage to Malta of an important convoy.’

The original recommendation states:

‘This rating showed courage and coolness under the most difficult conditions. He took charge of the CS Smoke Apparatus aft, while the guns were firing and splinters were falling. His cheerfulness and coolness generally were an inspiration to the rest of the department.’

Frederick Charles Masters was serving in the destroyer H.M.S. Diamond at the time of being awarded his L.S. & G.C. Medal in October 1940 (T.N.A. ADM 171/144 refers), so he was almost certainly present in that ship’s part at the battle of Cape Spartivento in the following month, when Admiral Somerville’s force had an inconclusive duel with two battleships, six heavy cruisers and 14 destroyers of the Italian Fleet. Less certain is whether Masters was similarly employed at the time of the Diamond’s demise off Crete in late April 1941 - if so, he was among a handful of survivors.

Be that as it may, he was clearly serving aboard the destroyer Dulverton by the time of Malta convoy MW. 10 in March 1942, a convoy that sailed alongside Admiral Vian’s force which famously clashed with the Italian Fleet off Sirte on the 22nd. But Dulverton’s primary task was to stick with the four merchantmen, a task that found her under protracted attack by enemy aircraft - two of her charges reached Valetta, but the Clan Campbell and Breconshire were bombed and sunk very close to their destination.

Whether Masters was still aboard the Dulverton during her successful encounter with the U-559 off Port Said in October 1942 remains unknown, or indeed on the occasion of her loss to a glider bomb off Kos in November 1943. Either way, he was finally able to collect his D.S.M. at a Buckingham Palace investiture held in May 1944; sold with a file of research.