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

Six: Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (SSX.16195 P. J. Kearns, A/L. Smn. R.N.) impressed naming,naming rubbed and faint in places; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Italy Star; War Medal, edge bruise to the first, otherwise nearly very fine (6)

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 6 September 1940 “For bravery and skill in operations off Dakar.”

Following the French refusal to give up, neutralise or scuttle their ships in Dakar Harbour, the British Admiralty issued instructions to Vice Admiral Somerville, Commanding Force ‘H’ that the French ships were to be destroyed. Captain R. F. J. Onslow, M.V.O., D.S.C., commanding H.M.S. HERMES was given the task of putting the RICHELIEU out of action. It was decided that the HERMES Motor Boat with an all-volunteer crew of 10 (2 Officers, 6 Ratings and 2 Royal Marines) should endeavour at night to penetrate the inner harbour at Dakar, Senegal, where RICHELIEU was at anchor. The motor boat from H.M.S. HERMES, was commanded by Lieutenant Commander Robert H. Bristowe, R.N., who had retired from the Navy before the war and had been called up again for war service. The modest report that follows, of the motor boat's attack, was written by him:

“The motor boat was painted completely black, all glass was removed to avoid reflection, loaded with 4 depth charges and escorted by H.M.S. MILFORD to a point about 10 miles from Dakar Harbour. After a nerve racking passage through the outer and inner booms, the motor boat found the RICHELIEU and dropped the depth charges close to her stern. A sentry on the quarter deck spotted the motor boat and raised the alarm, heavy enemy fire was brought to bear and an auxiliary vessel pursued the fleeing motor boat. Fortunately this vessel became stuck on the boom and allowed the motor boat to complete its exit from the harbour to the open sea. The motor boat and crew were finally picked up by H.M.S. HERMES at 1204 on 8 July, having been away from the ship for over 15 hours.”

The damage caused to the RICHLIEU put her out of action and was to take three years to repair. Bristowe was awarded the D.S.O. for his part, with one D.S.C. and two D.S.M.’s going to Mr Grant and two ratings. Three other ratings were mentioned in despatches, thus seven out of the ten strong crew received awards for the Dakar operation.