The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals (Part 1)

Three: British War and Victory Medals (M.8666 J. B. D. Whyte, Ar. Cr. R.N.); Royal Navy Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., Admiral’s bust (M.8666 J. B. D. Whyte, Arm. Crew “Suffolk” Kama River May 1919) pitted and worn, therefore good fine or better and rare (3)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals.

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London Gazette 5 March 1920 ‘Honours for services in Siberia.’

The following details are taken from Admiralty recommendations for honours: “While on active service in Siberia with the British Naval forces operating on the Kama River, this man distinguished himself by the praiseworthy manner in which he carried out his duties throughout the expedition. This man has been on active service in Siberia since August 1918 having served with the British Naval Armoured Train on the Ufa Front.”

John Brigum David Whyte served aboard the barge named SUFFOLK on the Kama River in the operations detailed in the lot above to Private Williamson. Smaller than the tug KENT, the SUFFOLK carried a complement of nine men, of all ranks, under Gunner C. W. Clarke, R.N. who was awarded the D.S.C. Of the honours awarded to the KENT and SUFFOLK, the latter ship received the greater share compared with her significantly smaller compliment. In addition to Clarke’s D.S.C. the ship was awarded the one D.S.M. and four of the eight M.S.M.’s. The group is sold with a copy of Captain Jameson’s highly detailed ‘Report on the proceedings of the British Naval Force acting with the Kama River Flotilla.’