Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Six: Stoker Petty Officer B. Fletcher, Royal Navy, who was mentioned in despatches for his services aboard H.M.S. Sabre at Dunkirk

1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Pacific Star; War Medal, M.I.D. oak leaf; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.VI.R., 1st issue (K.65982 B. Fletcher, S.P.O., H.M.S. Sabre); Dunkirk Veteran’s Association Medal, mounted court-style for wear, good very fine and better (6) £150-200

Benjamin Fletcher was mentioned in despatches for his services in the destroyer H.M.S. Sabre during the evacuation of Dunkirk (London Gazette 16 August 1940 refers). A. D. Divine’s history Dunkirk states:

‘Sabre also completed her last trip [on 3 June 1940]. One of the oldest ships to take part, she had been also one of the first. Probably to her goes the honour of bringing the first full cargo of men from the beaches. She had this day the honour of being also one of the last. In ten trips - the Dunkirk record - she carried in all something over 5,000 troops. She had been damaged by bombs, she had had minor troubles of one sort and another, but, throughout the whole operation ship and crew had responded magnificently to the high demands of the days. Sabre in years of peace had been wrecked; her engines had been submerged in salt water, yet they too stood up with her men to the gruelling need.’

Her skipper, Commander Brian Dean, R.N., was awarded the D.S.O., his Commissioned Engineer the D.S.C., and four ratings the D.S.M. In addition, two of her officers and four of her ratings were mentioned in despatches, among the latter Fletcher.