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

Six: The Order of the British Empire, M.B.E. (Military) 2nd type; Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse inscribed ‘G. D. Beresford, Capt. R.E. 17 Feb. 17’; Distinguished Service Medal, G.V.R. (F.1429. G. Beresford, P.O. Mech. Arm. Car. Sec., R.N.); 1914-15 Star (F.1429. G. De. La. P. Beresford, P.O.M. R.N.A.S.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt.) generally good very fine and a rare combination of awards (6)

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

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See colour plate VII.

D.S.M. London Gazette 19 November 1915 “For services in the Gallipoli Peninsula 1915.” An Admiralty Letter of the 21 December 1915, gives the following citation:

‘I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to inform you that the award of the D.S.M. made to your son and to another rating C.P.O. Trussell was for Distinguished Conduct with the Armoured Car Section in Gallipoli, in repulsing an attack in force, made by the enemy, on June 11 last. The Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force has reported that the failure of this attack was almost entirely due to the good lookout, presence of mind, and efficiency in handling their guns displayed by these two men, 80 dead bodies being counted in front of the British positions when the enemy retired.’

M.C. London Gazette 12 March 1917, 2/Lieut., 93rd Field Company, Royal Engineers “For conspicuous gallantry and good work. On the night of February 8/9 this officer was in charge of a wiring party in front of the captured trench in sector U.14D. He carried out this work to a successful conclusion under heavy rifle fire, although three times forced to retire to the trench by enemy bomb attacks. Again on the night of February 10/11, accompanied by an N.C.O. he carried out a daring patrol reconnaissance of the enemy's wire and trenches on the left flank of the captured trench and succeeded in bringing back information which was of the utmost importance. This officer invariably does well when on forward work."

M.B.E. (Military) London Gazette 11 June 1942, Lieutenant (Temp. Captain) Royal Engineers “For valuable services rendered in connection with the War.”

M.I.D. General Sir Ian Hamilton's Despatch of 22 September 1915, P.O. Mech., 10 Sqn. Armd. Car Sec. “For gallant and distinguished services in the field.”

Gervais de la Poer Beresford served with 10 Squadron, Armoured Car Section, Royal Naval Air Service, in Gallipoli, before receiving a commission in the Royal Engineers. He retired in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and died on 10 May 1979, aged 83 years. He was also awarded the Russian Order of St Anne, 3rd class with swords when T/Lieut (A/Capt.) Royal Engineers. The lot is sold with his original M.I.D. Certificate, an Admiralty letter giving details of the award of the D.S.M., as quoted above, and a similar letter with citation for the M.C. from H.Q. 17th Division.