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

Four: Distinguished Service Medal, G.VI.R. (MX.69116 R. H. White, A/Ch. Mtr. Mech.) impressed naming; 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star, clasp, France and Germany; War Medal, M.I.D., contact marks and polished, therefore nearly very fine (4)

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 29 September 1942 “For enterprise and coolness in action against enemy E-Boats and armed Trawlers off the Dutch Coast whilst serving in H.M. Motor Torpedo Boats and Motor Gun Boats.” Seedie’s Roll states M.G.B. 67 for an attack on enemy supply ships and E-boats off the Dutch Coast on 29 September 1942 and investiture date as 13 April 1943.

M.I.D. London Gazette 3 March 1942 “For leadership, coolness and skill in action against the enemy.” Seedie’s Roll states M.G.B. 65 for an action with E-boats in the Nore area on 19 December 1941.

M.I.D. London Gazette 25 July 1944 “For undaunted courage, leadership and skill in Light Coastal Craft in successful attacks on enemy shipping in enemy coastal waters.” Seedie’s Roll states M.T.B. 450 for a night action with enemy light forces in the Channel on 11 May 1944.

Chief Motor Mechanic Raymond Harold White was born on 19 July 1915 at Portsmouth, Hampshire, and earned his living as a motor fitter. He joined the Royal Navy for the duration of hostilities in July 1940 and was seconded for duties with Coastal Forces. He joined H.M.S. OSPREY as a motor mechanic in July 1940 and was advanced to Acting Chief Motor Mechanic 4th Class in August 1940. He served next at ST CHRISTOPHER (M.T.B. 61) December 1940, BEEHIVE (M.G.B. 61) March 1941, HORNET (M.T.B. 451) October 1943, BEEHIVE (M.T.B. 451) January 1944, HORNET (M.T.B. 451) July 1944, WASP September 1944, HORNET October 1944, MIDGE (C.F.M.U.I.) March 1945, and finally HORNET (C.F.M.U.I.) in July 1945. He was released from active service in December 1945.

As his rewards testify, he was frequently in action and mention of these engagements can be found in Peter Scott’s Battle of the Narrow Seas, and Lt Cmdr Peter Hitchens’ posthumous memoir We fought them in Gunboats. Apart from serving alongside the legendary ‘Hitch’ Hitchens, winner of two D.S.O.’s and no less than three D.S.C.’s, Raymond White had a succession of distinguished skippers: Lt Cmdr G. E. Bailey, D.S.O.; Lt J. D. Dixon, D.S.C., and Lt J. ‘Jumper’ Collins, the last of whom was killed in action in July 1944 in an engagement with four E-boats west of Cap d’Antifer. Once again, White had witnessed a classic and ferocious channel duel, although on this occasion no reward followed. The lot is sold with his original Certificate of Service and two M.I.D. certificates, the latter trimmed down for framing.