Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare North Russia D.S.M. and Somaliland operations group of six awarded to Corporal W. E. Lewington, Royal Marine Light Infantry
Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (PO/16216 Pte., R.M.L.I. Russian Allied Nl. Bde. Dec.1918. Jan.1919); 1914-15 Star Trio (PO 16216 Pte., R.M.L.I.); Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Somaliland 1920 (Pte., H.M.S. Odin); Royal Naval L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (Cpl., R.M.) the obverses somewhat polished, good fine or better (6)

D.S.M. London Gazette 22 April, 1919.
A full account of the Royal Marine Field Force in North Russia will be found in ‘Britain’s Sea Soldiers 1914-1919’ by H. E. Blumberg (extracts sold with the group). It is interesting to note that due to the intense cold of the Arctic winter, Sir Ernest Shackleton went to Murmansk to advise the force based on his experiences in the Antarctic. Before leaving Murmansk each man was issued with an Arctic kit designed by Shackleton consisting of four sets of Wolseley underclothing, one Burberry suit, one large woollen lined overcoat, 12 pairs of socks, one pair of Shackleton boots, one Arctic cap, special gloves, one pair of blizzard goggles, one pair of skis and sticks, and one Westinghouse rifle made in the U.S.A. The company was also equipped with small axes, sleighs as used in Shackleton’s expedition, sleeping bags, Stockholm tar, and specially prepared food.