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

Five: Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (K.6231. W. F. Elvins, Sto. 1Cl. H.M.S. Spitfire. 31 May-1 June 1916); Naval General Service 1915-62, 1 clasp, Persian Gulf 1909-1914 (Sto. 1Cl., H.M.S. Highflyer); 1914-15 Star Trio (Sto. 1 R.N.) contact marks, otherwise very fine (5)

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

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D.S.M. London Gazette 15 September 1916 “The following awards have been approved in connection with the recommendations of the Commander in Chief for services rendered by Petty Officers and Men of the Grand Fleet in the action in the North Sea on 31 May-1 June 1916.”

The Distinguished Service Medal was awarded for the action fought by the Fourth Destroyer Flotilla on the night of 31 May-1 June 1916. H.M.S. SPITFIRE, a ‘K’ Class Destroyer of 950 tons with other members of the Flotilla carried out a spirited gun and torpedo attack on the German Light Cruisers FRANKFURT, PILLAU and EBLING, the last vessel being hit by a torpedo. The Flotilla then came under heavy fire from the German First Battle Squadron Battleship's WESTFALEN, NASSAU and RHEINLAND. The NASSAU (18,200 tons) rammed the SPITFIRE virtually head on and whilst the two ships were temporarily locked together fired her forward 11 inch guns, although the guns could not be sufficiently depressed the damage caused from their blast was considerable. The SPITFIRE lost its foremast, search light and funnel, and as the NASSAU passed down the SPITFIRE's port side she cleared everything before her. The SPITFIRE lost 60 feet of her bow, and much damage was done to her superstructure. Some 20 feet of the NASSAU's upperworks were left embedded in one of the mess flats.