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

Seven: Distinguished Service Cross, G.V.R., the reverse privately inscribed ‘J. Murphy, H.M.S. Cornwallis, Dardanelles April 25 1915’; Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, E.VII.R. (John Murphy, P.O. 1Cl., H.M.S. Hyacinth); Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Somaliland 1902-04 (P.O. 1Cl., H.M.S. Hyacinth); 1914-15 Star (D.S.C., R.N.) rank of ‘Bosn’ erased from the reverse; British War and Victory Medals, M.I.D. (Lieut., R.N.); French Croix de Guerre 1914-17, with bronze palm, neatly named on the reverse centre, contact marks, otherwise very fine, an important and unique group (7)

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

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See colour plate V.

Only two C.G.M.’s awarded during the reign of Edward VII. The combination of D.S.C. and C.G.M. is unique.

D.S.C. London Gazette 16 August 1915 “The King has been graciously pleased to give orders for the award of the Distinguished Service Cross in recognition of services during the Gallipoli landings”, Boatswain J. Murphy, H.M.S. CORNWALLIS.

C.G.M. 1904 “In the first rush for the fort (at Illig) Murphy, after two or three attempts battered down the wooden door under the fire from inside and from adjacent loopholes. This opened the way to the advancing seamen. Murphy behaved with great coolness and was tenacious in his purpose to effect this opening, at the moment when the fire was very warm, and when two of the HYACINTH's men were killed alongside him” (Signed by Captain H.L.A. Hood, R.N. 21April 1904).

M.I.D. London Gazette 16 August1915 “The following officers are specially recommended for their services during the recent landings on the Gallipoli Peninsula.”

CROIX DE GUERRE London Gazette 30 November 1917 “For distinguished services rendered during the War.”

The C.G.M. was presented to Petty Officer John Murphy on 9 December 1904 by the wife of Rear Admiral G.A. Willes on the quarter deck of his Flag Ship H.M.S. HYACINTH, in the presence of the officers and ship's company. Unfortunately the medal had been despatched without any ribbon, with obviously embarrassing results which have not been recorded. Promoted to Warrant Rank as a Bosun on 14 August1911 Murphy joined the Battleship H.M.S. CORNWALLIS on 20 September1914. He served in this ship during the Gallipoli Landings, being in charge of CORNWALLIS’ galley, the ship carrying men of the South Wales Borderers. Captain A. P. Davidson reported that Mr Murphy did splendid work amongst the Borderers beach party, getting them to take proper cover. On April 26, Murphy made an expedition to Morto Bay and took provisions and water to the Borderers. He was appointed as a Bosun to H.M.S. DOMINION, Battleship, on 2 December 1917 and remained with this ship as Officer in Charge when she was paid off into Reserve at Chatham on 5 April 1918, having been promoted to Lieutenant on 1 March 1918. He was next appointed to H.M.S. VENETIA, Destroyer, on 14 December 1918, and then to H.M.S. INFLEXIBLE, Battle Cruiser, on 26 April 1919. He remained with this ship until 16 February 1920 when he was appointed to the Command of the Admiralty Tug H.M.S. ST MARTIN based at Invergordon. This vessel was to be his last seagoing command, retiring from the Royal Navy in 1923/4. Whilst on the Retired List he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander on 1 March 1926. Lieut Commander Murphy died in 1945.